LEVUBU – Drastic action against the police management team at Levubu is a positive first step, but does not really address the whole problem. Managerial styles and unacceptable racist attitudes, at both area and provincial levels, should be included in the present shake-up action initiated by the MEC for Safety and Security, Ms Dekeledi Magadzi, as a matter of urgency.

This viewpoint was expressed this week, after the announcement of the removal of the station commander of the SAPS at Levubu, and major changes in the service capacity of the station.

During a visit to the Vhembe region on Tuesday by the Minister of Safety and Security, Dr Charles Nqakula, accompanied Ms Magadzi, it was announced that the station commissioner has been replaced and that a new local commander for the Crime Prevention unit has been appointed. The possibility of further departmental disciplinary action was also mentioned. The Minister and the MEC visited Levubu and Thohoyandou as part of an Imbiso programme, aimed at meeting the people and affording them the opportunity to address problems and needs directly to members of the government.

Earlier, the MEC expressed shock at the policing situation at Levubu, which she attributed to bad management. She also described allegations of racial prejudice as unacceptable and announced an immediate enquiry into the whole situation. As far back as October 1998 - more than five years ago – this newspaper reported an urgent official request by the residents of Levubu for a "high-level investigation into complaints about the poor service delivery and the failure of local policemen to react to charges brought by residents." Residents this week also emphasised the fact that repeated complaints and official requests, as well as meetings with representatives of both the area and provincial offices over the course of several years, did not bring about any meaningful change.