GOOD Statement by Jonathan Cupido, GOOD City of Cape Town Councillor:
The GOOD party recognises the Commissioner, Petrus “Robbie” Roberts, for Policing and Enforcement Services as someone entrusted with tremendous responsibility. He’s the person calling the shots on the front lines by directing law-enforcement units, wielding peace officer powers, planning joint operations, and shaping the safety of Cape Town’s streets. That’s not a ceremonial role; rather, it’s a daily exercise in power and accountability.
Right now, however, very serious allegations are swirling around him. Reports of intimidation, bypassing official protocols, and issuing directives without regard for proper channels have been lodged by senior officials.
Testimony before an independent commissioner has revealed that the Commissioner personally ordered a City water cannon to be used to extinguish fires during protests on the N2, an order outside his authority, and when a senior Metro Police official refused, he even laid criminal charges.
The same report found that he routinely bypassed lines of management and issued instructions directly to staff across the Metro Police, school resource officers and specialist units. He later admitted that he was “so angry and frustrated” and wanted “to make a point” when he opened that case. Such conduct, if proven, speaks to a culture of intimidation, public humiliation and retaliation that has no place in a professional safety directorate.
These remain allegations, not proven facts, but they are being taken seriously in formal proceedings. Even the possibility of such conduct undermines public confidence and could contravene the Municipal Systems Act and the Code of Conduct for Municipal Staff Members.
The Executive Director for Safety and Security, Mr Vincent Botto, isn’t just a figurehead in this scenario; he has a legal duty to act. As the senior manager responsible for this directorate, he must uphold transparency, lawfulness and fair administration. He must ensure that no official, regardless of rank, oversteps their delegated authority or abuses their position. It is his job to investigate credible complaints, protect staff from retaliation and reaffirm that abuse of power has no place in the City of Cape Town.
Cape Town deserves leadership that operates within the law, not above it. Until these issues are resolved, the Commissioner’s conduct warrants scrutiny, and the Executive Director must act decisively to safeguard our law-enforcement structures and the trust of our residents. And let’s be clear, the political leadership cannot wash its hands.
The Democratic Alliance, and its Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith, have overseen this portfolio for years. Their failure to address these apparent abuses raises serious questions about their commitment to transparent governance and safe communities. Residents are entitled to know whether the so-called “best-run city” holds its own leadership accountable when police management appears to run amok.
GOOD Manifesto on Rule of Law: Ensuring the rule of law is upheld for all citizens.
Plenty Orange
Droewors – dried sausage [droo-ah-vors] A term used to describe a dried sausage, very similar to biltong or the German bratwurst or mettwurst.
Freeze Queen
Fun South African Fact: The first successful heart transplant was in a Cape Town hospital