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ActionSA in Ekurhuleni today led a community march to the Etwatwa Police Station, where Ekurhuleni Mayoral Candidate, Cllr Xolani Khumalo, formally handed over a memorandum of demands calling for the immediate removal of the Etwatwa Station Commander following growing community outrage over persistent crime, alleged policing failures, and a complete breakdown of public confidence in the station's leadership.

The march brought together residents who have endured years of escalating criminality while repeatedly raising concerns about the conduct and effectiveness of the local police station. The memorandum reflects the lived experiences of the community and demands urgent intervention from the South African Police Service (SAPS).

Among the serious concerns raised are allegations of corruption involving certain police officials, claims that victims are discouraged from opening criminal cases, the continued proliferation of drug trafficking and organised crime, and a lack of accountability and responsiveness by the station's leadership. These failures have left residents feeling abandoned by the very institution entrusted with protecting them.

The memorandum calls for:

• The immediate removal of the Etwatwa Station Commander pending an independent investigation.
• A full independent investigation into allegations of corruption and misconduct at the station.
• An assurance that all criminal complaints are properly received, registered and investigated without fear or favour.
• Decisive action against drug trafficking and organised crime in Etwatwa.
• Regular engagements between SAPS leadership and the community to rebuild trust and accountability.

ActionSA has given SAPS 14 days to provide a written response outlining the concrete steps that will be taken to address the concerns raised by the community. People of Etwatwa deserve a police service that protects law-abiding residents, not one that has become synonymous with failure and mistrust.

Today's march was not merely a protest it was a clear demand for accountability. SAPS must act decisively against any wrongdoing within its ranks and restore confidence in policing. Communities cannot continue living in fear while those responsible for their safety fail them."

ActionSA believes that safe communities are built on professional, accountable and responsive policing. We will continue standing alongside residents who demand better governance, safer neighbourhoods and a criminal justice system that serves the people rather than failing them.

Should SAPS fail to respond adequately to the memorandum, ActionSA will continue to pursue every available democratic avenue to ensure that the voices of Etwatwa residents are heard and acted upon.

Press Statement by: Cllr Xolani Khumalo - ActionSA Ekurhuleni Mayoral Candidate