Buccleuch SAPS satellite branch in shambles

Buccleuch residents cleaned up the unused Sandton police satellite branch in Buccleuch between March 18 and March 20. What the community found there raised eyebrows and concerns.

Beyond infrastructural dilapidation, community members also found signs that vagrants may have been utilising the facilities for shelter.

“The station has not had SAPS attendance since prior to lockdown,” said Buccleuch residents and ratepayers association chairperson Lauren Nightingale on March 20. “One of our community members reached out to SAPS to obtain access so that we could arrange a vegetation clean-up, and basic grass cutting as the space was looking overgrown.”

In addition to the unmown grass, Nightingale also indicated that the premises showed signs of vandalism, rampant vegetation, litter, and enough to assume the theft of fixtures.

“We were made aware of vagrants living in one of the rooms, but they have since vacated,” Nightingale said.
“We have set up a plan to keep the gardens tidy, and we aim to get the station active again, even if for limited times.”

Nightingale specified that the initiative is about being community-minded, and doing what’s best for Buccleuch and surrounding suburbs.

“I was absolutely shocked when I saw the images,” said community member Andrew McMurray, who was approached for comment on March 20.
“There needs to be accountability for this. Sandton SAPS needs to answer for the lack of oversight with this dilapidated state building.”

Sandton police were also contacted for comment on March 21. Captain Jeff Phora acknowledged receipt of the enquiry almost immediately, however, no feedback was received by the time of going to print on Monday 25 March.

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