SAPS defends KZN spokesperson targeted for not speaking isiZulu

A WOMAN'S use of xenophobic language against Colonel Robert Netshiunda for not speaking isiZulu during a protest has drawn condemnation from the South African Police Service (SAPS), which emphasised that diversity strengthened its ability to serve multicultural communities across the country

The SAPS responded to a video which has been circulating on social media after it was recorded during a march and protest outside Point Police Station on January 28.

In the video, a woman is seen confronting Colonel Netshiunda for not speaking to her in isiZulu. She referred to him as a “kwere-kwere”, a deeply offensive word often used to label someone as a foreigner.

The woman claimed she had waited for more than four hours at the police station without assistance in a case involving her child, who was allegedly injured during a protest incident at Addington Primary School the previous week.

Colonel Netshiunda was seen calmly responding to her concerns in English.

This appeared to upset the woman further, who then told him to leave KwaZulu-Natal and work in his home province, saying isiZulu was the language spoken in the area.

National SAPS spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, said the SAPS noted the derogatory and tribalistic slurs with concern, and confirmed that Colonel

Netshiunda was born and raised in Limpopo.

She said his home language was Tshivenda, which is one of South Africa’s 12 official languages.

“His presence in KwaZulu-Natal reflects the diversity and unity that define the SAPS,” said Mathe.

The SAPS used the incident to remind communities that discrimination based on language, culture or race is unacceptable and goes against the values of the Constitution.

“KwaZulu-Natal is home not only to isiZulu-speaking communities, but to people from diverse racial, cultural and linguistic backgrounds,” Mathe said.

She added that SAPS called for stronger social cohesion and urged communities to promote tolerance, respect and understanding.

“Our police stations are staffed by members from a wide range of cultural and ethnic backgrounds, reflecting the rich diversity of South Africa. This diversity strengthens our ability to serve communities effectively,” said Mathe.

Brigadier Mathe also congratulated Colonel Netshiunda for recently being recognised as Administration Officer of the Year at the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner’s Excellence Awards.

THE POST