Report finds that majority of Gauteng’s 144 police stations not the best

Only 10 of the 144 Gauteng police stations received positive ranking, but 121 stations were ranked fair.

This is revealed in a report on the Select Committee on Security and Justice in the National Council of Provinces.

According to DA Gauteng shadow MEC for Community Safety Crezane Bosch, 12 stations were ranked poor.

But only five receive an excellent ranking and another five are ranked as good.

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LACK OF RESOURCES AND GOVERNMENT TO BLAME FOR STATE OF POLICE STATIONS

Most Gauteng cop stations are facing severe challenges including deteriorating infrastructure, lack of maintenance and a shortage of personnel and vehicles. This hamper proper law enforcement service delivery, said Bosch.

“The fact that 121 police stations in Gauteng received a fair rating raises various concerns about the safety and security of the communities in which they are rendering police services.”

Crezane Bosch

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VISIT TO COP STATIONS REVEALED A LOT OF ISSUES

A recent oversight inspection of various stations by the DA confirmed that the constant failure of the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure. The department has failed to maintain and budget for important elements such as holding cells, water and sanitation upgrades, and general maintenance, said Bosch.

“Crime cannot be addressed accordingly if basic matters like upgrades and maintenance of the police stations are not prioritised and addressed.”

Details of each station should be attached and analysed to ascertain the attention required for a maintenance plan and a budget to address issues at each station, she said.

“A well-equipped and functional work environment is essential for police officers to feel dignified and motivated to combat crime. The DA will embark on its own oversight tour to each of the 144 police stations in Gauteng to assess within the next 100 days the risks, challenges, and possible solutions,” said Bosch.

TSHWANE STATIONS FACE YEARS OF THE SAME ISSUES

The Lyttelton station in Centurion has been without holding cells for the past seven years.

Instead, suspects are taken nearly 12km away to the cells of the Sunnyside station.

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“This is costing the station more money in terms of fuel costs in transporting the suspects and hampers police service delivery as they must escort the suspects instead of conducting visible policing. In addition, there is an increased risk of suspects escaping from lawful custody while being transported to Sunnyside,” said Bosch.

The Ga-Rankuwa station has, for the past year, been experiencing power outages. According to Bosch, this is due to the removal of a circuit breaker from an Eskom substation which supplied the police station with power.

“Police stations are supposed to be safe havens for victims of crime. A place where [people] can walk in and immediately feel that they are protected and cared for. This is not the case, and these ratings prove it.”