SAPS takes action against 10111 operator following fatal mob attack in Dunoon

Police combed an open field in Dunoon after the discovery of four burnt bodies near the N7 off-ramp on Malibongwe Drive.

A 10111 call centre operator is facing internal disciplinary proceedings following allegations that an emergency call reporting a fatal mob attack in Dunoon was not handled appropriately, as questions mount over whether police could have intervened sooner.

The complaint relates to the killing of four people whose bodies were discovered in an open field near the N7 off-ramp on Malibongwe Drive in Dunoon on Sunday.

Police Oversight and Community Safety MEC Anroux Marais said she noted with deep regret the alleged inaction by the 10111 operator after a member of the public reportedly called the emergency centre while witnessing an attack unfolding in the area.

According to information surrounding the complaint, the caller contacted 10111 at about 1:30pm after witnessing what appeared to be a mob attack involving several people near the N7.

The caller reportedly attempted to provide the location using GPS but was allegedly repeatedly asked for an exact location. It is further alleged that the call was terminated after the caller requested the operator’s details.

The recording of the call was subsequently reviewed, and concerns were reportedly identified about the manner in which it had been handled.

SAPS management has since initiated an internal disciplinary process against the operator involved.

SAPS spokesperson Novela Potelwa said: “The matter you are enquiring about is the subject of an internal SAPS disciplinary investigation initiated by the management of the Maitland call centre upon being alerted by the complainant.”

She said SAPS viewed the allegations in a serious light and that the investigation would seek to establish exactly what happened.

Marais welcomed the SAPS’ action, saying any failure by an official to act when there was a duty to do so needed to be treated seriously.

“While I welcome the swift action taken by SAPS management to institute internal disciplinary proceedings, I am deeply concerned by the allegation that an emergency call was not acted upon appropriately. If established, this would constitute a serious dereliction of duty, particularly given the nature of the emergency and the consequences of that inaction,” she said.

Separate from the internal investigation into the emergency call, police have opened four murder cases and detectives from the Serious Violent Crime Unit are investigating the killings.

SAPS spokesperson Wesley Twigg previously confirmed that Milnerton police were called to the N7 off-ramp on Malibongwe Drive, where the four victims were found in an open field adjacent to the road.