Celani Sikhakhane
Ongoing infighting between two brigadiers in the uThukela district in KwaZulu-Natal has left the SAPS struggling to operate.
Whilst brigadiers Francis Bantam and Zanele Kunene continue to fight over the post of cluster commissioner, reports of political and taxi violence have increased substantially.
The dispute has surfaced just weeks after infighting between Police Minister Bheki Cele and national commissioner Khehla Sitole was blamed for a 60% increase in contact crimes between April and June.
A source in the uThukela district SAPS told Scrolla.Africa that police officers are frustrated and confused as they don’t know who is supposed to give them orders, and are unable to enforce the law.
“The matter has been escalated to Provincial Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi,” said the source, who added that Mkhwanazi met with the two brigadiers last month to try and remedy the situation.
It is their duty to instruct members to go to key problem areas if they are needed but no one is doing that.
“As we approach the election period, the SAPS need a united leadership so they can get clear instructions on how to deploy in uThukela. This is a problem area during elections but no one is taking the leadership,” said a senior officer.
The post they are allegedly fighting over was left vacant in 2018 after the passing of the previous cluster commander.
The fight has also divided the members of the community policing forum (CPF) in the district.
Brigadier Bantam told Scrolla.Africa that she is disappointed that the matter has been brought to the media.
“I have informed our Provincial Commissioner about this situation,” she said.
“I have been acting as cluster commander for three years and I don’t know why people think that I’m in a fight with anyone.”
She said she no longer feels protected by her colleagues, many of whom don’t back her for the position of cluster commander.
“But with the help of God I’ll get through this,” said Bantam.
The attempt to get hold of Brigadier Kunene was unsuccessful.
