Safety concerns and repeated vandalism have prompted the South African Post Office (SAPO) to consider relocating its paid post boxes in Bormhof to Randburg.

The post office has been broken into, with destroyed fencing, a broken ceiling, and unauthorised occupants living on the premises. Ward 101 councillor Ralf Bitkau said the facility has been a problem for residents for years, noting that he has reported the issue without any action being taken so far.

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SAPO spokesperson Louise Brugman confirmed that 657 branches operate nationally, and the Bromhof lobby boxes remain active despite the conditions. “SAPO is, however, aware of the challenges. We have been working with the South African Police Service, municipal law enforcement and members of the local community to address the unauthorised occupation. The lobby staff have also worked closely with the community and community security structures to strengthen security measures at the premises. Additional security measures have been implemented, including securing the premises and repairing sections of the palisade fencing.”

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Brugman said the matter has been escalated to SAPO’s legal, security and investigations functions for intervention to ensure appropriate legal processes are followed. “The unauthorised occupants cannot simply be removed without following the applicable legal processes. SAPO is therefore working with the relevant authorities and stakeholders to address the matter lawfully.”

She said SAPO is considering relocating the paid post boxes to the Randburg Post Office to ensure a safer environment for customers and employees. Customers will be informed of the arrangements and timing. “The entity has continued to maintain and secure the lobby and has undertaken repairs and security interventions where possible,” Brugman added, noting that repeated damage to the premises has occurred as a result of unauthorised occupation, including damage to locks, the palisade fencing, and razor wire.

She added that community members previously secured the premises by repairing palisade fencing and installing additional security measures. “These measures were subsequently damaged, with sections of the fencing and razor wire removed and locks broken. We continue to assess and address maintenance and security requirements at the premises in line with its processes. The current priority is to address the unauthorised occupation and associated security risks through the appropriate legal and law-enforcement processes.”

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