The Gauteng government has responded to criticism over the challenges faced by the Kempton Park police station, saying that the issues are not new and are being addressed. Premier Panyaza Lesufi stated that the problems, including infrastructure and equipment issues, personnel shortages, and a non-functional phone line, have been reported to the police management and the police ministry. According to Lesufi, processes are underway to address these challenges.
The criticism was raised by Ian Cameron, DA-LP and chairperson of the parliamentary portfolio committee on police, who conducted an unannounced oversight visit to the Kempton Park and Tembisa police stations. Cameron reported that the Kempton Park police station had no electricity or working generator, and that a generator that had been approved three years ago had still not been purchased. He also noted that the police station had an outdated vehicle fleet, with 27 vehicles out of service since 2020.
Lesufi stated that the Gauteng government acknowledges the challenges faced by the police station and is working with all stakeholders to address them. He said that the provincial government has engaged with the police, the police ministry, municipalities, and other law enforcement agencies to strengthen the safety response in Gauteng. Lesufi also noted that police visibility and operations in Kempton Park and surrounding areas have been increased, with sustained operations being conducted under Operation Shanela.
According to Lesufi, the second Operation Shanela operation in the Kempton Park policing area on September 17 led to 51 arrests. He also stated that over 1,000 wanted suspects have been taken into custody during operations across Gauteng. Lesufi welcomed oversight visits, saying that accountability is important, but also emphasized that the challenges at the Kempton Park police station are not new and are being addressed.
Cameron, however, questioned the government's description of a highly visible "lockdown" operation in Ekurhuleni, saying that the situation he observed during his visit did not match this description. He stated that if a highly visible lockdown is indeed underway, additional personnel, vehicles, and resources should be identifiable on the ground. Cameron also expressed concern over the lack of visible policing in the area.
The Gauteng government has emphasized that policing is a national competency and that the allocation of police personnel, vehicles, equipment, and other resources ultimately rests with the national police command structure. However, the province has stated that it is working with the police, the police ministry, municipalities, and other law enforcement agencies to strengthen the safety response in Gauteng.
Lesufi concluded that the Gauteng government is committed to addressing the challenges faced by the Kempton Park police station and is working with all stakeholders to improve policing in the area. He emphasized that the provincial government will continue to engage with the police and other role players to find solutions to the challenges faced by the police station.
Key points
- The Gauteng government has responded to criticism over the challenges faced by the Kempton Park police station, saying that the issues are not new and are being addressed.
- The provincial government has engaged with the police, the police ministry, municipalities, and other law enforcement agencies to strengthen the safety response in Gauteng.
- Police visibility and operations in Kempton Park and surrounding areas have been increased, with sustained operations being conducted under Operation Shanela.
