Station Commander’s job comes under fire at the Khayelitsha Commission

Colonel Michael Reitz gave testimony over two days at the Khayelitsha Commission into allegations of police inefficiency and a breakdown in relations between the Khayelitsha community and the police. Reitz, the first SAPS official to give evidence, is station commander at Lingelethu West, one of three stations the commission is investigating.

Advocate Peter Hathorn, representing the complainant organisations, cross-examined Reitz. He referenced Dr Gilbert Lawrence, Head of the Western Cape Department of Community Safety, who stated in his oral evidence to the commission that “there is a crisis of policing in Khayelitsha”. Reitz disagreed.

Hathorn led the Commission through documents, outlining his view that the policing at Lingelethu West had worsened over time, and concluded: “I put it to you, Colonel Reitz, that under your command this station has not thrived … I think it is only fair that I tell you, at the end of this Commission, my client will recommend that you be removed from your position as the Station Commander at Lingelethu West”.

Hathorn invited Reitz to motivate to the Commission as to why he should retain his post as the station commander. Reitz responded that he does his best, but if the Commission finds he is not the right man for the job, he will accept that.

Colonel Reitz is responsible for 175 staff members and 37 SAPS vehicles servicing about 72 000 people. He has been with the South African police for 37 years.

After the lunch adjournment, SAPS legal counsel Advocate Norman Arendse asked Reitz, “Are you satisfied that crime is not out of control in your precinct?”

Reitz was firm in his responses to various questions in the same vein. “I need more resources, but I am satisfied that I am effectively managing the crime in my area”.

“This is my passion, I put everything I can into this… It’s not fair, because they crucify you like Jesus,” he concluded.

Next week, the Commission will hear testimony from station commanders at Harare and Khayelitsha Site B, as well as Provincial Commissioner Arno Lamoer.