A Western Cape Legislature member has called for the suspension of the Malmesbury police station commander following allegations of abuse of state power against community leaders, including a sitting ward councillor. Sammy Claassen reported the matter to the provincial Parliament’s Police, Safety and Security Portfolio Committee after the arrest of Ward 11 PA councillor Raymond Umphuku Mains on assault and crimen injuria charges. Claassen alleged a total breakdown of trust between the community and the station commander.
According to Claassen, community leaders have raised concerns that individuals who challenge the station commander are being criminally charged and arrested. He received a call from councillor Mains about his arrest on trumped-up crimen injuria charges laid against him by the station commander. Claassen described the situation as an abuse of state power and called for an immediate police oversight investigation into the allegations.
Claassen also expressed concerns about the poor response times and rising crime in Malmesbury. Residents are facing crime challenges, including gun violence, gender-based violence, violent crime, drugs, and related offences. He emphasized the need for a good relationship between the community and the police, stating that the community of Malmesbury needs to feel safe in the streets.
The Western Cape SAPS confirmed the arrest of councillor Mains, stating that a common assault and crimen injuria case was opened at Malmesbury SAPS following an incident on Thursday, 1 October 2026. A 51-year-old male suspect was arrested and appeared in Malmesbury Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, October 7, 2026. However, SAPS did not respond to the allegations of abuse of state power.
Claassen emphasized that councillors, community leaders, and public representatives have a lawful right to scrutinise police performance, ask questions, and demand proper policing. He stated that he would not tolerate what he considers unlawful arrests or abuse of state power against PA members or the public.
The Malmesbury police station has been accused of abusing state power against critics and community leaders. The station commander has been alleged to have laid charges against individuals who challenge him. Claassen’s call for the suspension of the station commander has been supported by concerns about the breakdown in trust between the community and the police.
The matter is expected to be investigated by the provincial Parliament’s Police, Safety and Security Portfolio Committee. The committee will look into the allegations of abuse of state power, poor response times, and rising crime in Malmesbury. The investigation aims to restore trust between the community and the police.
Key points
- Western Cape Legislature member Sammy Claassen calls for suspension of Malmesbury police station commander.
- Councillor Raymond Umphuku Mains arrested on assault and crimen injuria charges.
- Allegations of abuse of state power and breakdown in trust between community and police.
