Frustrated residents in Maitland have called for the immediate removal of what they describe as “nonchalant” staff at their local police station, accusing officers of neglect and failing to combat escalating crime.
In a memorandum handed to Western Cape Police Commissioner Thembisile Patekile on July 27, 2025, the community demanded that the Maitland SAPS station stop closing its doors after hours, increase visible policing, and replace its current management.
“Collapse of Public Trust”
Maitland Ward Councillor Cheslyn Steenberg, who spoke on behalf of residents, said policing standards had “dropped to alarming levels”, leaving the community vulnerable.
“Public trust in Maitland SAPS has collapsed totally,” Steenberg said. “The station has become ineffective, unaccountable, and disconnected from the people it serves.”
Residents cited a lack of visible policing, an inactive crime prevention unit, and a surge in crime, including robberies, drug dealing, assaults, and illegal immigration.
Stations “Locked After 6 PM”
Steenberg claimed the station often shuts its gates at night, leaving only a few officers on duty—posing risks to both police and detainees.
“How can you have one or two people guarding a station with firearms, ammunition, and detainees?” he asked. “We have clear evidence of these failures.”
Demands: New Leadership, More Officers
The community’s key demands include:
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Removal of the current station management
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Redeployment of additional officers
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Return of former leaders, including a former Colonel and former Captain
If Commissioner Patekile does not respond within 14 days, residents vow to take legal action.
“We don’t want to go to court, but SAPS is failing us,” Steenberg warned.
Police Response Awaited
Western Cape SAPS has yet to publicly address the allegations, but the community remains adamant: without urgent intervention, Maitland’s crime crisis will worsen.