Andile Mbuthu: Hambanathi community demands police reshuffle
The Hambanathi community in Tongaat - unhappy with their local police - has handed a petition to Police Minister Bheki Cele demanding a reshuffle in the station.
On Tuesday, Bheki Cele visited the family of teenager Andile 'Bobo' Mbuthu.
The 16-year-old went missing two weeks ago.
A video surfaced on social media showing the teen being severely beaten up at a local tavern after being accused of stealing liquor.
On Friday, a body was found in a river in Hambanathi- presumed to be Mbuthu.
Seven have been arrested and in connection to his kidnapping and murder.
During Cele's meeting a petition was passed around the chanting crowd of neighbours and handed to the minister.
Resident and neighbour, Vincent Shandu says the community has lost all faith in the police, and the death of Mbuthu was the final straw.
"We don't want the entire staff and management. We want new officers who will be serious about their work and who are going to listen to the community about their concerns. That is our standpoint.
"They cannot control crime. In fact, they are part of the crime. If there was control, this thing wouldn't have happened," he says.
Cele says there will be an investigation into the community's concerns.
"We have taken upon ourselves to find out what happened. The allegations the community are making will be investigated, and we will come back to report to the family," he says.
