Question NW1808 to the Minister of Police

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10 September 2020 - NW1808

Profile picture: Sindane, Mr P

Sindane, Mr P to ask the Minister of Police

What number of police stations(a) had to be closed since the first reported case of confirmed Covid-19 in the SA Police Service (SAPS), (b) have re-opened and (c) are yet to re-open;

Reply:

(1)(a) As at 6 August 2020, a total of 1 069 police stations have had to close, since the first reported, confirmed COVID-19 case, in the South African Police Service (SAPS).

(1)(b) All 1 069 police stations are fully functional.

(1)(c) A total of 78 police stations were operating in temporary structures. (2)(a) A total number of 2 228 police officers have been quarantined.

(2)(b) The posts occupied by police officers who are in isolation, are not deemed to be vacant and are, therefore, not filled through the permanent appointment of other police officers, in these posts.

The SAPS shift system, which is used for operational members at police stations, makes provision for contingency arrangements to be put in place when a member is not able to report for duty, including during self-isolation. This includes the following:

o Calling up SAPS members, who are on rest days.

2

0 Making use of police reservists.

0 Deployment of SAPS members, who are employed in support functions.

O Deployment of SAPS members, from cluster or district level, to assist on a

temporary basis.

V\/hen police stations or other service points are closed, the members, who were not exposed to the virus and not in self isolation, may be redeployed to assist at an alternative service office or to support operational duties.

Command groups have been established in every province and at national level, to ensure that the provision of policing services continue, despite the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, support, in respect of the prevention, management and response to COVID-19 infections in the SAPS, is provided by the COVID-19 Steering Committee, which is chaired at the level of a Deputy National Commissioner and includes all the relevant operational and support disciplines of the SAPS.

The SAPS has appropriate measures in place, at all levels, to ensure that services are rendered. However, it is important to recognise that these conditions do represent unusual challenges to the SAPS, as to all other frontline services. The cooperation and support of communities is valued and appreciated, during this time.

Reply to question 1808 recommended

GENERAL NATIONAL COMMISSIONER: SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE
KJ SITOLE (SOEG)
Date: 2020/08/28
Reply to question 1808 approved

GENERAL BH CELE, MP
MINISTER OF POLICE
Date: 09/09/2020