KZN Police stations KwaZulu-Natal

A 33-year-old suspect was arrested in connection with the murder of six people. Photo: SAPS

One vehicle and two motorbikes at Boschkop police station

A meeting was held between the DA, Boschkop police management and CPF to discuss challenges negatively impacting its functionality.

KZN Police stations KwaZulu-Natal

A 33-year-old suspect was arrested in connection with the murder of six people. Photo: SAPS

The lack of human and physical resources at the Boschkop Police Station in Tshwane has impacted its ability to provide visible policing to protect residents and prevent crime, said the Democratic Alliance (DA).

NO ENOUGH RESOURCES TO SERVICE THE COMMUNITY

The DA Gauteng conducted an oversight inspection at this police station and engaged with the station’s management and the CPF.

They discussed the challenges faced at the police station, which negatively impact its functionality.

According to DA Community Safety spokesperson, Crezane Bosch, Boschkop police station has jurisdiction of approximately 300 square km and 50 000 residents. 

“Yet the station only has one single vehicle and two motorbikes for visible policing. It also has 86 of the 106 allocated members. This leaves the station with a 20% vacancy rate,”

said Bosch.

She further said that two days ago, another farm murder occurred. This adds to the high spike of farm attacks in the area which begs the question as to how the police are expected to be visible with just one vehicle.

The Boschkop area mostly consists of informal settlements and farms.

“It is not practical for police officers to have only one vehicle for visibility in those areas. Without the necessary resources, the station cannot do visible policing within this rural and farming community,” she explained.

NO HOLDING CELLS AT BOSCHKOP POLICE STATION

Moreover, Bosch added that the cells in the station have been closed after a suspect escaped and have not yet been repaired or maintained. 

She also mentioned that there is no space or holding cells for any suspects who get arrested. 

“The detainees are now being transported and charged at Garsfontein station which is a further 20kms away.

“This shows that this police station is in dire straits and unable to implement its core mandate,”

added Bosch.

Adding to that, she said DA has identified numerous challenges affecting police service delivery at Boschkop Police Station. 

Furthermore, they will be submitting a range of questions to the MEC of Community Safety, Faith Mazibuko to probe why there is a delay in filling vacancies at the station, repairing the broken vehicles, and a lack of support from the provincial and national police departments.

“The safety of our residents is of utmost importance. Hence the DA will continue to put pressure on the current government to ensure that all our police stations are well equipped with the necessary resource to fight crime,”

said Bosch.

MAN SHOT AND LEFT WOUNDED DURING A FARM ATTACK

Meanwhile, man in his 40s was shot multiple times in a brutal home invasion in the Boschkop area in the early hours of Tuesday.

The attack happened on a plot in Donkerhoek.

Just after midnight, five suspects invaded a house in the area, two gained entry into the house after breaking the window, explained Boschkop CPF chairperson, Ross Welsh.

He said there was a struggle and several gunshots were fired and a man was shot.

“The man was shot in both his left and right legs. Fortunately, the bullets missed all bones and arteries. He is fine and stable,”

said Welsh.

Emer-G-Med paramedics responded to the scene and found the man with multiple gunshot wounds.

Spokesperson Kyle van Reenen said the paramedics treated and stabilised the man on the scene before being taken to a nearby hospital for further care.

ALSO READ: FARM ATTACK: Man shot multiple times in BRUTAL Boschkop attack

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