The South African Police Service (SAPS) has announced that there are no immediate plans to construct a new police station in Kraaifontein, a suburb in Cape Town. According to Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia, the department has prioritized 15 capital works projects, but Kraaifontein is not among them. These projects do not form part of the current Infrastructure Development Programme (IDP) for the 2025/26 to 2030/31 financial years.
The announcement was made in response to parliamentary questions from DA MP Karl le Roux, who inquired about plans for a new police station in Kraaifontein or surrounding areas. Le Roux wanted to know if a decision had been made to determine whether the police station would be a full-service or satellite police station. Cachalia stated that no timelines can be provided at this stage, as SAPS is still implementing the first top 10 priority projects.
However, according to an organisational development work study report dated February 2010, Kraaifontein is expected to become a fully-fledged police station. The station will serve the Kraaifontein and Durbanville communities. This report suggests that the police department has long-term plans for the area, but no immediate action is being taken.
The news comes amid concerns about crime in the area. Recently, a violent shooting spree in Kraaifontein left six people dead in under two hours. Authorities are still investigating the motives behind the incident. The lack of a new police station may be a concern for residents, who may feel that the current police presence is inadequate.
In a separate incident, a disciplinary investigation has been initiated into the circumstances surrounding the death of Cebisa Silwana, a 42-year-old woman who died at Muizenberg police station in August. Silwana was taken to the police station following an altercation at a house, where she later collapsed and was declared dead by paramedics. The investigation aims to determine whether any SAPS members acted contrary to prescribed procedures.
According to Cachalia, Silwana was initially arrested and transported to Muizenberg SAPS. After it was determined that she was no longer under arrest or to be detained, she began displaying signs of medical distress. The Fire and Rescue Service was contacted, and Silwana was found lying in a collapsed state. The matter is being investigated, and appropriate consequence management will be considered if misconduct or negligence is established.
The police department has assured residents that they are working to address community concerns. While there are no immediate plans for a new police station in Kraaifontein, the department has committed to implementing priority projects. Residents will have to wait for the long-term plans to come to fruition, which may take several years.
Key points
- There are no plans for a new police station in Kraaifontein within the next 5-10 years.
- Kraaifontein is expected to become a fully-fledged police station, according to a 2010 report.
- A disciplinary investigation is underway into the death of Cebisa Silwana at Muizenberg police station.
