Digwale community want a satellite Police station
Media Release
01 March 2010
Digwale community near Vaalbank has told Mpumalanga
Safety, Security and Liaison MEC, Ms Sbongile Manana
that government should consider providing at least a
satellite police station in their area.
They said villages around Vaalbank have since expanded
and the local police station was failing to police the
whole area.
The people told MEC Manana during the Imbizo held yesterday
[Sunday 28 February 2010] at Somlokotho Primary School.
The community complained that stock theft and domestic
violence was rife in their area and the police station
was far away.
They said police usually did not respond in time when
called on crime scenes as they allegedly had no
vehicles.
The people said there was poor police visibility and it made
it difficult for them to report crime at Vaalbank Police
Station since it was far.
The people also alleged that police officers utilised the
state vehicles for personal use.
Responding to the complaints, MEC Manana called on police
officers to respect their work by taking care of assets
belonging to the public.
She urged the community to report such police officers who
were misusing the state property to their superiors adding
that corrupt officers had no place in the provincial
government.
“It is everyone’s business to look after government property,
report any corrupt activities,” said Manana.
Regarding the satellite police station, the MEC said SAPS
management would look into the matter. The MEC further called
on the people to mark their livestock so it would be easy to
identify them if stolen and for the police to investigate.
Speaking at the same event, SAPS deputy provincial commissioner,
Rex Machabi said the police were concerned about many liquor outlets
as crime was caused by people under the influence of alcohol.
He said liquor traders should comply with the Liquor Board Regulations
by not selling liquor beyond the stipulated times and to the minors.
He said police should increase visibility in the area. He urged the
people to assist the police officers in fighting crime by joining the
Community Police Forum and becoming reservists.
Issued by Mpumalanga Department of Safety, Security and Liaison
Enquiries: Joseph Mabuza
Contacts: (013) 766 4055
082 678 1450
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