DA demands efficiency for Primrose Police Station
The petition aims to prompt parliamentary action to address escalating crime in Ekurhuleni.
The DA launched a petition outside the Primrose Police Station on April 14, calling for urgent intervention amid a growing crime crisis and severe under-resourcing at the station.
The petition aims to prompt parliamentary action to address escalating crime in Ekurhuleni.
“The station is severely under-resourced, and that has left residents vulnerable and living in constant fear.
“The station is in crisis, and support is needed to ensure it can serve the community effectively,” said DA MP Michael Waters.
ALSO READ: Primrose Police Station in need of resources to better serve public
Primrose Police Station reportedly has the highest murder rate in the metro, with a staggering 127 murders per 100 000 residents. Waters pointed out that this is three times the average murder rate in Ekurhuleni.
With a population of 87 743, the community is being served by only 94 police officers and 10 support staff – a clear shortfall that has hindered crime response and prevention efforts.
“The station is woefully under-resourced. If the UN’s recommended police-to-population ratio of 1 officer per 220 residents was applied here, Primrose would need 399 officers. Right now, it only has 94. That makes their job incredibly difficult,” said Waters.
The shortage goes beyond personnel. The station, which services a densely populated and high-crime area, is also grappling with a lack of vehicles, equipment, and overall operational support.
These constraints have led to delayed response times and a reduced visible police presence in the community.
ALSO READ: Water police recover bodies and rescue survivors
Ward 92 Clr Kade Guerreiro said residents are desperate for safety and support from law enforcement.
“Our community is under siege, and our officers are fighting an uphill battle without the tools they need.
“This petition is not just about numbers; it’s about safety, dignity, and restoring hope to the people of Primrose and the surrounding areas,” said Guerreiro.
Local residents echoed these concerns, sharing how fear has become a part of everyday life.
“The community is losing faith in the police. When we need them, they take too long to show up. People are even staying quiet when crime happens right in front of them.
“We tried forming neighbourhood watch groups, but people are too afraid of being targeted by criminals. The community has become a slave to criminals,” said resident Ivan Nkosi.
ALSO READ: Police seize firearms in Germiston
The DA is urging all residents to sign the petition and continue raising their voices until tangible change is achieved.
Primrose CPF chairperson Tracy Enslin welcomed the DA’s support and emphasised the urgency of the situation.
“As the CPF, we appreciate the backing from the community and the DA in highlighting how dire things are.
“We’ve submitted numerous requests to the mayor of Ekurhuleni, the police minister, the chairperson of the police portfolio committee, as well as our premier and the police commissioner,” said Enslin.
ALSO READ: Police warn of criminals impersonating mall officials
She stressed that the impact is being felt not only in formal residential areas but also in informal settlements across Primrose.
“We urgently need more police. Our station is drastically under-resourced, and this is having a devastating impact. We’re constantly dealing with robberies and firearm-related murders.
“There are too many illegal firearms in Primrose, and not enough officers to remove them from our streets,” she added.
She called on top police and government officials to prioritise the matter immediately.
“Lives are at stake. Top management must stop ignoring our pleas. Budget cuts are crippling our police force, and it’s costing people their lives. South Africans are suffering and dying because of this lack of support,” said Enslin.
