Umhlali station not up to scratch

A recent parliamentary inquiry has revealed the unacceptable conditions in which officers at Umhlali SAPS must carry out their duties.

DA MP Dean Macpherson questioned police minister Bheki Cele regarding the state of our local station, and the answers he received were troubling to say the least.

In minister Cele’s response, it came to light that:

1. The police yard is unable to be neatly kept because a groundsman position has not been filled.
2. The community service centre has a leaking roof and shattered front door.
3. A detention cell is used to house police dockets and files due to a lack of space in the administration building.
4. Rain water seeps into the detention cells due to leaks.
5. The police station suffers continuous power outages and the plug points and cables in the service centre are loose.
6. Toilet facilities are in a poor condition.
7. Prefabricated offices are so hot due to not being air-conditioned that they are described as ‘unbearable.’
8. A shortage of nearly 50% of police officers in the visible policing department in one of the salary brackets is negatively affecting performance.
9. Nine police vehicles are out of service from a possible 35.
10. Certain senior management vacancies have not been filled since 2016.

“It is quite clear that a crisis exists at Umhlali police station,” Macpherson said.

“It is simply inconceivable that good men and women are expected to work under these conditions.”

Macpherson said he would be referring this matter to the national Department of Public Works for urgent answers as well as inviting national SAPS politicians to inspect the station for themselves in order to devise a turnaround strategy.

Umhlali SAPS spokesperson captain Vinny Pillay said it was the Department of Public Works who were responsible for the upkeep of the station.

Also read: WATCH: Township residents march against Umhlali police

The Courier had not received comment from the department at the time of going to print.

“In the end, we need to have a functioning station in order to protect our communities from the ravages of crime.

“I will work with SAPS and Public Works in order to hold them accountable to deliver a police station that can combat crime and protect our residents,” said Macpherson.

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