- Residents claim SAPS failures in Atteridgeville violate their constitutional rights to safety and dignity.
- Allegations include corruption, discarded dockets, and unlawful release of suspects.
- District Commissioner promises action as residents warn of more protests if rights violations continue.
On 16 December 2025, fed-up residents of Atteridgeville and Saulsville in Pretoria marched to their local police station, delivering a petition that detailed years of corruption, collapsed policing, and the violation of their constitutional rights.
The march followed a plenary meeting on 10 December, where community members resolved to take action against what they describe as a crisis of violence, fear, and a justice system that no longer protects ordinary people. They handed their demands directly to District Commissioner Major General Samuel Thine, hoping this time SAPS would finally listen.
The demonstration was organised to expose alleged corruption among police officers, highlight systemic failures in policing, and put SAPS on formal notice about intended community action. Residents described the situation in Saulsville and Atteridgeville as a prolonged crisis, marked by violent crime, fear, and a growing sense that the justice system no longer serves ordinary people.
Fear, violence and a community pushed to the edge
Sipho Khumalo, one of the demonstrators, said he joined the march because of relentless violence in the community, including killings and the murder of young girls. “If law enforcement plays its part, it can actually bring change in the community. Those in power should put their people first, respect their people, protect civilians, and be part of the solution,” Khumalo said.
One resident, who asked to remain anonymous, painted a stark picture of life without effective policing. “At this moment, what we need to do as a community is defend ourselves because there is no policing. We report crimes and criminals and even provide information on where they are situated,” the resident said.
They recounted a recent case in which a vehicle linked to robberies in the area was reported to the police. “The suspects were arrested in possession of a firearm, phones, laptops, and bank cards, only to be released three hours later without being charged. The evidence was not even registered. The suspects are now threatening the community,” the resident said. Residents are demanding faster police responses and community representation at the charge office to monitor how cases are handled.
Allegations of bribery and abandoned dockets
During the demonstration, community members alleged that certain Atteridgeville police officers are involved in corrupt practices, including receiving bribes at a braai spot near the police station. According to protesters, this money is used to discard dockets, delay arrests, and ensure suspects are not charged. Demonstrators called for the removal of officers who, in their words, have “overstayed their welcome” in Atteridgeville, repeatedly chanting that “Enough is enough.”
Community leader Lucas Makhubele said he joined the march because Atteridgeville was once a peaceful and joyful place. “Crime and killing rates have gone up immensely, and people are no longer safe, even in their own homes,” he said.
Makhubele explained that civic organisations are planning further community meetings and will encourage residents to support the movement. “This is not the last action. It will continue into the new year, and people must engage,” he said.
He added that one of the biggest challenges facing community activists is the lack of service delivery by authorities, despite repeated assurances given during previous memorandum handovers. This pattern, he said, has eroded trust and confidence in the justice system.
Calls for constitutional policing and community education
Another community leader, Reabetswe Ngoepe, urged SAPS to apply the laws and constitutional principles governing their work. He said it appears that officers are not using the Constitution as their guiding framework. Ngoepe also called for SAPS to conduct community outreach programmes to educate residents about the difference between police functions and court processes.
“People are not aware of the distinction between matters of SAPS and matters of the courts. Police need to go out and educate communities about the importance of having both police stations and courts,” he said.
Ngoepe shared a personal reflection on growing up amid violence and unresolved injustice. “I grew up seeing my friends being killed, and justice never prevailed. I told myself that when I grow up, I will stand up and guard my community. Today, as a community leader, I can help guide people so that everyone feels safe and protected,” he said.
Memorandum handover and SAPS response
During the memorandum handover, Ward 62 councillor Esther Masuku stressed that the grievances presented were not trivial. “What we brought here is not games or fun. These are the daily realities faced by the community of Atteridgeville,” she said. Addressing SAPS and Brigadier Rapitsi, Masuku said the community expects a concrete response. “We are tired of bringing the same grievances here all the time,” she said.
After receiving and signing the memorandum and petition, Major General Samuel Thine assured residents that their concerns would be addressed. “We will come to you and consult with you once we have communicated with all the sectors above us,” Thine said.
He promised improvements in police visibility, raids, and stop-and-search operations. “The visibility that you demand, you will see changes there. The police raids that you need, you will get them. The stop and searches that you want, you will see them,” he said. Thine also urged community members to report corruption directly. “We do not condone criminality or corrupt officers. If you see one corrupt officer, report them personally to me,” he said.
This is not the end of the road
Ngoako Ian Mabidilala, the resolution manager of Concerned Members, said the march followed failed attempts to engage with the police station about escalating crime and deaths in Atteridgeville. “We spoke about the death rates and how nothing was being done. We raised concerns about the Community Policing Forum and how crime could be combated, but we were never listened to,” he said. “The only solution left was to mobilise the community, because people are dying and we can do nothing.”
Mabidilala said the movement would not stop until policing in the areas meets acceptable standards. “At this stage, there is nothing we can confidently say we have when it comes to proper policing. But we will fight until Atteridgeville SAPS is fully functional,” he said.
He concluded with a message to residents who could not attend the march but signed the petition. “We cannot fight crime alone. We need everyone to be part of this. If the whole of Atteridgeville had been here, the message would have been very clear,” Mabidilala said. “This is not the end of the road. We will host further marches depending on the response and outcome of our petition within 14 days.”
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