Cops face uncertain future, property negotiations continue
The property dispute will be resumed in the Pietermaritzburg High Court on November 18.
Besides awkward embarrassment, police who have been evicted from their premises twice in the last two months face an uncertain future as negotiations between the landlord, Anton van Kampen, and the Department of Public Works seems to have reached a deadlock.
At the Pietermaritzburg High Court on Monday, the state asked for two weeks to peruse an affidavit submitted by Mr van Kampen before they can respond.
Mr van Kampen said that he is still willing to settle issues with the outstanding rent and lease agreements out of court. His written requests for a settlement meeting, however, have been declined by Public Works.
“All I am asking for is the document that was agreed upon on August 26, and I all that is outstanding on that document is the Director General’s signature,” said Mr van Kampen. “If we cannot settle the matter amicably, however, the court case will proceed.”
The case will be resumed at the Pietermaritzburg High Court on November 18.The outcome of the case will affect roughly 200 police officers that belong to the Organised Crime Unit, the Dog Unit, the Public Order Policing Unit and the police vehicle workshop.
