Provincial Commissioner Tommy Mthombeni in Heated Exchange with Operation Dudula Members

Commissioner Tommy Mthombeni says he feels disrespected after Zandile Dabula from Operation Dudula accused the cops of being incompetent. (DailySun)

by Mathipa Phishego

A tense confrontation unfolded when Gauteng Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni engaged in a heated exchange with Operation Dudula members after the movement’s secretary-general, Zandile Dabula, accused the police of incompetence.

The incident took place during a community engagement session in Johannesburg on Wednesday, where Operation Dudula members gathered to voice concerns about rising crime, alleged corruption, and the perceived lack of decisive policing in areas plagued by illegal activities.

Dabula openly accused the police of failing communities, claiming that residents were “forced to take matters into their own hands” because law enforcement had allegedly neglected its duties. He further argued that many township residents had lost faith in the South African Police Service (SAPS).

Commissioner Mthombeni, visibly agitated rejected the accusations defending the integrity and efforts of the police force. He stressed that policing challenges in Gauteng were complex and could not be addressed through populist rhetoric.

“It is irresponsible to brand the police as incompetent when our men and women put their lives at risk daily to protect South Africans,” Mthombeni said, adding that SAPS was working tirelessly to combat crime syndicates, illegal immigration-linked crime, and drug trafficking.

The heated exchange highlighted the growing tension between Operation Dudula, a movement known for its strong stance on immigration and community justice, and the SAPS, which has been under mounting pressure to restore public confidence.

Community members in attendance were split, with some applauding Dabula for voicing frustrations, while others supported Mthombeni’s defense of the police service.

The incident underscores the ongoing struggle between civil movements and law enforcement in addressing crime and social issues in South Africa. Analysts warn that such confrontations risk deepening divisions instead of fostering collaboration between communities and police.

The clash between Mthombeni and Operation Dudula reflects the broader debate over who bears responsibility for public safety in South Africa and whether SAPS can rebuild the trust of the people it serves.