Mpumalanga safety and security MEC Vusi Shongwe reprimanded a woman during a public meeting on Monday, who out of frustration referred to police as “dogs” for ignoring their duties and having self-serving interests.
The woman, who had attended the department's public participation meeting in Breyton, 30 kilometres away from Ermelo, told the crowds that police were not treating community members equally, said Shongwe's spokesman Joseph Mabuza.
She said when she committed crime, police officers came running. However when it was her turn to be assisted, police were not helpful.
“Not all the police are bad, but some of them are 'dogs' because they are only interested in getting salaries, instead of helping us as people,” she was quoted as saying.
Other people also accused the police of racial bias saying the police were quick to attend to crime scenes where white farmers were affected by crime, said Mabuza.
They explained that police would flock with numerous vehicles including helicopters, but if it was a black person they would come hours late.
In response to issues raise, Shongwe said although people were furious about police behaviour in the area, they should not be bad-mannered when talking in public, said his spokesman Joseph Mabuza in a statement.
“Police are human beings just like all of us. They must therefore be respected in their profession. We cannot call them dogs. Let us refrain from such degrading words because they will make people to believe in them.
“They have blood just like all of us; they feel the pain in their bodies too. Those who are not loyal and passionate about servicing the people should be reported,” he was quoted as saying..
He conceded that some police officers were tarnishing the good image of the police service. However the community should report them to their superiors so that they would be flushed out of the system if found guilty.
Shongwe further appealed to the police to exercise impartiality when executing their duties as this would assist in improving the relationship between the community and police. -
Sapa