Khayelitsha safety at risk, SAPS 'not fit for purpose'

A DECADE after the Report on the Commission of Inquiry into Policing in Khayelitsha was presented to then-Western Cape Premier Helen Zille, the SAPS has failed to relieve the burden of crime on that community.

- KABELO KGOBISA-NGCABA

In a recent response to a parliamentary question from the DA, Minister Senzo Mchunu acknowledged the ongoing resource constraints at both the Khayelitsha and Lingelethu police stations.

Minister Mchunu further conceded that the Lingelethu West SAPS “is not fit for purpose’, lacking the necessary infrastructure to function. This has been confirmed through oversight visits:

◆ Inadequate security with no cameras, and easily-breached fencing leading to the theft of their generator.

◆ Challenges in keeping suspects secure due to lack of holding cells (which has led to escapes).

◆ Water leaks damaging crucial documents including dockets.

◆ A lack of basic necessities like wi-fi, with the current internet connection not reaching the detectives’ offices.