Metro opens new EMPD precinct in Thokoza

Residents of Thokoza were excited to witness the unveiling of Thokoza Precinct by Ekurhuleni acting mayor Clr Moses Makwakwa on Friday, July 22.

The precinct is situated at 3521 Moepshe Street.

This facility is among 23 already existing EMPD precincts that have been designed to ensure a one-stop-shop police service for residents who are far away from police stations.

Addressing community and media present, Makwakwa said that “this modern state-of-the-art facility is aimed at helping the community daily, with matters like social crime, drug abuse and payment of traffic fines”.

He said the facility, which cost about R21.4 million, will also assist in combating crime and empowering women.

“In fact, most of the construction companies that were involved in building this facility are owned by women.

“Another building like this one was opened in Bromberg (Kempton Park) and very soon we will be opening another one in Zonkizizwe,” said Clr Makwakwa.

In conclusion, Makwakwa pleaded with the community to take care of the facility as it belongs to them and is aimed at assisting them.

Another person who addressed the media and community was EMPD chief Bafana Mahlabe.

“This is a government initiative which seeks to give services to the community as part of crime prevention, making sure that the community is safe and that job opportunities are created. A lot of job opportunities were created since the construction of the facility started. More than 40 police officers have been employed to assist in the daily functioning of the station. The officers employed will be patrolling around the street of Thokoza daily, making sure the community is safe,” said Mahlabe.

The facility will have two holding cells for males and females and toilets next to the cells, a charge office and a lecture room with internet access for the officers. There will also be a gym to encourage officers to exercise and keep fit, with separate showers for males and females.

It will further include a walk-in safe to keep firearms, a boardroom to hold important meetings, 11 offices, a generator that will automatically switch on and off in case there is load shedding and water tanks to store water in case there is a water crisis.