As Vanrhynsdorp Station Commander Faces Allegations
CCN NEWS
VAN RHYNSDORP:- Serious questions are mounting over the failure of police oversight bodies to act, after residents were allegedly assaulted, humiliated, and had their home destroyed during a police-led operation in Van Rhynsdorp. 
What makes the incident even more disturbing is that the station commander himself was reportedly present during the assaults.
Multiple eyewitnesses claim that Station Commander Captain Gert Ludick was on the scene during the violent raid, where residents, including minors were allegedly beaten by SAPS members.
Just one day later, the same commander allegedly approached the victims and asked them to withdraw their case.
Community activist Johanna Filander, who has been assisting the families, called the situation a “shocking collapse of accountability.” “The commander saw everything, he was there while people were assaulted. The next day he asked them to retract the case, how is that acceptable?” said Filander to CCN
Case Only Registered After Senior Intervention
The assault case was eventually placed on the court roll, but residents say this only happened because of Cluster Commander Colonel Van Reenen, who insisted that the case be formally recorded. “If it wasn’t for Colonel Van Reenen, this case would have disappeared,” Filander said.
Law Enforcement ‘Destroyed Everything in the House’
While SAPS officers are accused of physically assaulting the residents, law enforcement members reportedly caused extensive damage to the property.
Residents claim that law enforcement officers:
- smashed furniture and appliances,
- ripped open cupboards,
- damaged structural fittings, and
- left the home in ruins.
“Everything in the house was destroyed. Literally everything.”
– Filander
WhatsApp messages seen by CCN show Filander questioning Paolo Titus, a senior law enforcement official, about the destruction. Titus responded that he would “find out from SAPS and colleagues,” but never according to Filander.
“It has been a week today, he never came back with answers,” Filander said.
Oversight Bodies Missing in Action
Despite the seriousness of the allegations, including assaults on minors, unlawful searches, property destruction, and the alleged involvement of a station commander, none of South Africa’s accountability institutions have responded.
CCN sent written enquiries to:
- IPID
- The South African Human Rights Commission
- Western Cape SAPS Media
- SAPS Political Leadership
One week later, no responses have been received.
CCN can confirm that all officials opened and read the emails, yet none provided comment or clarification. Residents say the silence raises concerns of a systemic protection culture within SAPS.
Victims Pressured to Withdraw Case
One of the most troubling allegations is that the station commander personally encouraged victims to withdraw the case, an act legal experts say may constitute interference with a criminal investigation if confirmed.
“The People Who Must Protect Us Act Like Attackers”
Filander says the community is no longer afraid to speak out.
“These are the people who must protect us, yet they behaved like attackers.” “It was barbaric, and now the oversight bodies say nothing. “We will not be intimidated into silence.”
According Filander, residents say they are prepared to escalate the matter to Parliament or the Public Protector if necessary.
A Pattern of Abuse?
This is not the first complaint involving Van Rhynsdorp SAPS this year. A earlier incident involving the case of 32-Year-Old Aldren Julies raises more questions,
In June, Julies was taken into custody under unclear circumstances, residents claim:
- Officers spoke inappropriately to him.
- Police later claimed he attempted suicide in the holding cells.
- An ambulance was seen entering the station yard that weekend.
However, the community strongly disputes the suicide narrative.
Residents want answers to:
- How Julies supposedly attempted suicide.
- With what object or clothing item.
- Whether suicide is physically possible in the type of cells used.
- Why the clothing he wore during arrest disappeared.
Witnesses also allege that when Julies was taken to a doctor, the receptionist told the doctor:
“This is the man who tried to commit suicide.”
Residents are now asking:
- How did she know this?
- Who informed her?
- Why does Julies have only a single light mark on his neck, inconsistent with the T-shirt “hanging attempt” described by police?
After that incident, Julies was apparently unable to walk, eat or wash himself without his mother’s help for a period of time. Fortunately for his mother and family, however, he made a full recovery and was able to return to work.
PICTURES – Jerome Afrika in the photos, had to receive hospital treatment for his nose which was broken by a police officer. According to Filander, a 15-year-old boy was also severely assaulted by one of the police officers. CCN has received more than 10 photos, which show clearly how everything in the house was destroyed by Law Enforcement offices
