Boschkop police station set to have more staff and new vehicles
A former Scorpions detective has been appointed as a new station commander earlier this month.
Tshwane police management promised to address staffing and vehicle shortages at the Boschkop police station after receiving several complaints from residents.
“Management noted two critical shortages at the station, namely that of vehicles and staff,” said police spokesperson Captain Augustinah Selepe.
She said about three new vehicles would be given to the station by September.
With eight vehicles currently in for repairs, Selepe said the management would put pressure on the repairs to have the vehicles fixed quickly as this contributed to the vehicle shortage.
“Secondly, Tshwane acting district commissioner Brigadier Samuel Thine noted that the station is understaffed. Hopefully, by December, 12 new members will be deployed as they are being trained,” she said.
Rekord previously reported that the station’s holding cells were declared uninhabitable and the police were using the Garsfontein police station’s holding cells when they arrested suspects.
Selepe said an application was in place for renovating and fixing the holding cells.
During the meeting, a new station commander, Lieutenant-Colonel Gerald Witbooi, was introduced to the community.
Selepe said Witbooi has “vast” experience in investigations as he worked under the NPA’s Directorate of Special Operations, known as the Scorpions.
“He has been in the SAPS for 21 years.
Witbooi said he was up to the challenge.
“Police officers will also have to commit to work or they will be asked to leave.
“The Tshwane police district management are confident that the station commander is more than up to the task.”
Witbooi said he intended to work with the community during his tenure as the section head.
“The station does not belong to the police, but the community. I urge the community to work with us.”
Boschkop CPF Ross Welsh thanked the commitment of police management to improving the station. Welsh said the CPF would support Witbooi in fighting crime in the area.
He said it was important for the community to work alongside the police.
“Earlier this month, the CPF and private security companies patrolled the area with us and several arrests were made.
Three stolen vehicles were recovered and a wanted suspect, linked to multiple crimes in the area, was arrested.
“This shows the importance of working together,” Welsh said.
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