Cop stole my car, says terrified nurse

07 December 2015 - 02:01 By Aron Hyman

A nurse in Khayelitsha says her car was stolen by a police detective in front of numerous witnesses and that 11 days later police have done nothing. A witness said the thief got out of a police van before stealing Lindiwe Dlokweni's car, and that afterwards the van drove off, ignoring bystanders' shouts for help.The theft happened when Dlokweni stopped her grey Kia Cerato outside Kuyasa Clinic and got out to speak to a colleague, leaving the keys in the ignition."I saw this guy heading towards me and my car. We got to the door at the same time," she said.A scuffle ensued, and witnesses said that while Dlokweni fought with the hijacker he drove off."A lot of us tried to run to stop the police car and to ask the driver to please come help, but he just drove away," said Fiona Piyose, who was queueing outside the clinic at 7.30am on November 26.Another witness, Sakhiwo Yalezo, said other bystanders saw the attacker get out of the police van, which was marked with the name of Lingelethu West police station."While that lady was fighting with the hijacker the police car was standing there," he said.Dlokweni reported the theft at the Harare police station. Police spokesman Constable Noloyiso Rwexana confirmed that the case was being investigated.Western Cape Community Safety MEC Dan Plato said he was aware of the case and that police management in Khayelitsha had become involved.A community leader, speaking anonymously for fear of being targeted, said residents were scared to speak out against corruption at Harare police station."That sister is scared to come back to the clinic. She came to serve us. Now they will be under-staffed. What happens if the doctors leave next?" she said.Lingelethu West, Harare and Khayelitsha Site B police stations were at the centre of the Khayelitsha Commission of Inquiry, set up by Western Cape Premier Helen Zille to investigate policing in the township.The inquiry report said: "It is also clear ... that members of SAPS in Khayelitsha have not provided many of the residents of Khayelitsha with professional, respectful and efficient service."Dlokweni, from Langa, who is on sick leave and seeing a trauma counsellor, said she feared for her safety because no action had been taken against the officer.Residents have since reported seeing her car being driven around by the officer "with his friends at night"...

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