ATC240222: Report of the Portfolio Committee on Police on its oversight visit to the Gauteng and Limpopo Provinces from 01 to 04 December 2023, dated 21 February 2024

Police

Report of the Portfolio Committee on Police on its oversight visit to the Gauteng and Limpopo Provinces from 01 to 04 December 2023, dated 21 February 2024

1.Introduction

The Portfolio Committee on Police conducted an oversight visit to the Gauteng and Limpopo Provinces from 01 to 04 December 2023 to meet with Provincial Commissioners on various relevant topics such as safer festive season operations and to assess the status of capital works projects at the Muyexe, Bolobedu and Mankweng Police Stations located in the Limpopo Province.

2.Purpose of the visit

The slow pace at which police stations are being built has been raised as a significant concern of the Portfolio Committee on Police throughout the Sixth Parliament. The long lead times of construction projects often result in a significant escalation in building costs. The 2023/24 Annual Performance Plan (APP) of the South African Police Service (SAPS) lists 21 new police stations to be constructed over the medium-term, of which 95% were started prior to 2019, 14 of which were started between 2014 and 2016 (66% of the total). According to a response from the Minister of Police on a recent Parliamentary question, police stations are built at an average cost of R73.5 million over the medium-term.

3.Delegation

The delegation comprised of the following Members and support staff:

3.1.Members of the Committee

The following Members attended the oversight visit:

Hon. Seabi (Chairperson) (ANC)
Hon. Marekwa (ANC)
Hon. Gomba (ANC)
Hon. Golding (DA)
Hon. Gericke (EFF)
Hon. Shaik Emam (NFP)

3.2.Support staff

The following support staff attended the oversight:

Ms Mbengo: Committee Secretary
Ms van Zyl-Gous: Content Advisor
Ms Sihawu: Executive Secretary to the Chairperson

4.Engagement with Provincial Commissioners

On 01 December 2023, the Committee met with Provincial Commissioners. The visit was originally scheduled as a physical meeting, but due to unforeseen circumstances, it had to take place on a virtual platform. The Provincial Commissioners from the Eastern Cape, Gauteng, Limpopo, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, and Western Cape Provinces. Due to time constraints, the Provincial Commissioners from Free State, North West and Northern Cape Provinces did not present to the Committee. The continuation meeting was scheduled for 14 February 2024.

The presentations focused on the status of infrastructure and capital works projects, conditions of buildings, lease management, Safer Festive Season Operations, and the functionality of Community Police Forums (CPFs).

The presentations are available from the Committee Secretary on request.

4.1.Committee deliberations

The Committee highlighted the following concerns during deliberations:

The Committee questioned whether the investigation of the findings by Judge Daniel Thulare was finalised and when it will be made available to the Committee.
The Committee requested the Department to indicate how it regulate the taking of vacation leave by SAPS members during the festive season.
The Committee asked how the Department deals with the shortage of holding facilities (cells) at police stations during the festive season.
The Committee requested the Department to indicate whether there is an arrangement in place to deal with the increase in payment of admission of guilt in the festive season.
The Committee asked whether there a plan to ensure that the Department’s vehicle fleet is serviceable and more vehicles are available in the festive season.
Linked to the above, the Committee asked whether the Department has sufficient uniforms, bullet resistant vests and equipment available for SAPS members in the festive season.
The Committee asked whether park homes are used as temporary or long-term facilities and whether there is sufficient security, e.g. fencing and lighting provided for the structures. The Committee further questioned whether park homes can be used as holding facilities and if so, how are they secured for this purpose.
With regard to the transportation of water to certain police stations in Limpopo, the Committee asked whether water just for use by the SAPS members or is it also shared with local communities.
The Committee asked whether there is sufficient access to diesel when generators have to be used during power outages, and whether the Department’s telephones and radios work when the electricity supply is interrupted.
The Committee quested whether there are guidelines available on how the allocated Community Police Forum (CPF) budget must be spent and is it a top-down or bottom-up approach.
The Committee asked whether there are guidelines on how to utilise the vehicles that have been purchased to support the CPFs and who operates and controls the vehicles (SAPS or CPFs).
The Committee asked how the Department measure the success of CPFs and whether CPFs are providing support and information to the Department.
The Committee asked whether there is synergy between Departments in the Criminal Justice System (CJS).
The Committee asked whether there are engagements with SAPS by the relevant authorities, with regard to the issuing of liquor licences and whether there is support from the Metro Police in the policing of liquor outlets.
The Committee asked whether the Department has a suggestion or solution with regard to the high number and seemingly unlimited supply of unlicensed firearms in South Africa.
The Committee expressed concern about the escalation in crime in and around the OR Tambo International Airport and what steps are taken to address the increase.
Are second-hand dealers and scrapyards visited by members of the SAPS to look for stolen motor vehicles?
With regard to the safety and well-being of SAPS members, the Committee asked what is being done to assist SAPS members in living closer to their workplace.
The Committee indicated that SAPS Members are dissatisfied with the Promotions System, and asked what steps are taken to address this situation.
The Committee asked whether the Department is working with the Border Management Agency (BMA) and the Department of Home Affairs to curb the influx of undocumented foreigners in South Africa.
The Committee suggested that it might be counter-productive to provide legal aid to criminals.
The Committee requested that Provincial Commissioners must inform the Committee about how Parliament can assist them, over the short-, medium- and long-term. The Committee requested a holistic assessment to be conducted to determine what resources are required for them to achieve their targets.
The Committee raised concern about the fact that Postmasburg (Northern Cape Province) has only one police station and the community is growing rapidly with all the mining activity in the area. The Committee requested an explanation why a satellite police station in the area cannot be erected and what criteria and ratios are used to determine the establishment of a satellite police station.
The Committee raised concern that the Western Cape Province are continuing to use analogue communications system and had not migrated to a digital communication system.
The Committee raised significant concern that many police stations do not have access to water.
The Committee raised concern about the loss of firearms by police officers and from evidence stores.
The Committee raised concern about the lack of alternative power generation capacity at the Rosedale police station (Upington, Northern Cape Province).
The Committee questioned the matter in which confiscated gold and copper are stored as evidence.

The Minister of Police submitted written responses to the concerns raised above. The document is available from the Committee Secretary on request.

5.Muyexe Police Station

On 02 December 2023, the Committee visited the Muyexe Police Station. The visit started with a walk-about on the site after which the Committee met in the community hall for discussions. The planning and construction of the Muyexe police station was started in October 2014 with an envisaged completion date of 31 March 2023 (nine years later) at an estimated cost of R25.57 million. The construction of the police station stalled in 2015 and the building fell into disrepair due to the appointed contractor absconding from the site. The police station has never been occupied despite construction stopped at an advanced stage, with water and electricity never connected. In 2022, renovations to the police station were started. The building of the station is devolved from the National Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (NDPWI) meaning that the construction is done by the SAPS.

5.1.Presentations

The Divisional Commissioner: Supply Chain Management represented the National Office and addressed the Committee. The Divisional Commissioner indicated that the stations listed in the Department’s Annual Performance Plan will be completed before the end of the 2022/23 financial year. He indicated that communities will be engaged prior to the commencement of construction projects to manage and minimise community unrest. The Department is investigating alternative building methods to brick and mortar, which will be cheaper and faster construction of police stations and accommodation. The Divisional Commissioner stated that the Department needs more devolved power from the NDPWI to enable them to manage construction projects. The Department has concluded Memorandums of Understanding with all implementing agents to determine the urgency of buildings. The challenges with the NDPWI and spatial development remains a significant concern, which will not be addressed in the short term.

The Provincial Commissioner indicate that additional resources are required for the province. 35 personnel are allocated to Muyexe police station. Vehicles are not suitable for the rural retain and road infrastructure that is in a poor condition in many areas. While many crime categories are under control, the Province continues to struggling with sexual offences.

The briefing by the Station Commander from the Giyani police station included the following aspects:

Station profile
Resources
Performance
Data integrity
Crime hotspots
Case management (SAPS 6)
Challenges/contributing factors
Interventions
Recommendations.

The Station Commander noted that Muyexe is one of five sectors served by the Giyani Police station. He noted that the sectors are too large and must be reduced in size to enable a more efficient approach to crime in the area. For instance, he noted that Muyexe lies in sector 4, which comprises 15 villages. He noted that many Sector Commanders are using their private cellphones due to a lack of connectivity between different networks. He noted that the proliferation of liquor outlets is a continuous challenge which is having a significant impact on crime.

The Station Commander noted that a variety of stakeholders support the Giyani police station, including pastors that come to pray for the police officers and detainees in detention cells at the station. He indicated that the Giyani police station has a standing 30-minute slot on the local radio station. A significant challenge is the lack of a garage at Giyani, which leads to long lead times for minor repair works. He indicated that the mobile mechanics visit the station regularly and are able to attend to vehicle repairs on the yard of the police station. However, they often do not have sufficient of correct spare parts. He indicated that crime is mostly controlled by tribal/traditional leadership in the area.

The Station Commander reiterated that 35 personnel have been allocated to Muyexe including a Station Commander and three vehicles. He further indicated that the furniture has been procured and are in storage. The station will be operational in January 2024 and will be officially opened in April 2024.

Note: The presentations can be obtained from the Committee Secretary on request.

5.2.Community Policing Forum

The Chairperson of the Giyani CPF indicated that the CPF is opening a channel of communication between communities and the police. He indicated that sub-forums have been established and are capacitated. The CPF visits all sectors every month, which is conclude with a social event to aid cohesion between the SAPS, CPF and community. The CPF has a fixed slot at each School Governing Body meetings and they are engaged with school outreach programme. The CPF reported that they have a very good relationship with the Giyani Station Commander, Indunas and Provinces. The key challenged that remains are transport. The allocated double cab bakkie is not suitable for the seven members of the CPF.

5.3.Committee deliberations

The Committee highlighted the following concerns during deliberations:

The Committee raised concern about the fact that the station will only be opened after the festive season and that it should have been opened before the commencement of the festive season.
The Committee indicated that communities must take ownership for services provided by government, and should protect buildings from being vandalised.
The Committee indicated that communities are normalising too many seemingly small crimes, which leads to more serious crimes. An example was made of people drinking in public and not being reprimanded by community members, the local municipality or the SAPS. The Committee indicated that these incorrect or anti-social behavior must be stopped to restore safety and security in communities.
The Committee indicated that even though the crime rate in Muyexe is low, the community must remain alert, as criminals from other Provinces are increasingly hiding in rural towns and villages.
The Committee raised concern about the already insufficient personnel allocation at the Muyexe police station. The full complement should be 45 personnel, whereas the allocation is only 35 personnel.
The Committee raised concern about the lack of accommodation for SAPS Members allocated to the Muyexe police station, which will lead to Members having to travel /commute long distances between work and home.
The Committee raised concern about a seeming non-cooperation between the SAPS and National Prosecuting Authority that is having a negative impact on crime in the Giyani area.
The Provincial Legislature raised concern about the lack of razor wire on the fence around the Muyexe police station.

5.4.Closing

In closing, the Chairperson noted that Cash-in-Transit heists are moving to the Limpopo province as they hide from the SAPS in Gauteng. The Chairperson noted that Parliament approves the budget of the Department and as such, much power is vested in the Committee. The Chairperson reiterated that the Committee became worried about the long lead time for the finalisation of the Muyexe Police Station despite construction having started more than 10 years ago. The Chairperson stated that since the Comprehensive Rural Development Programme (CRDP) was launched in 2009 in Muyexe, major progress has been made in the area. The Chairperson reiterated that comment made during deliberations that communities have a responsibility to take ownership of government structures and not allow vandalism.

6.Bolobedu Police Station

On 03 December 2023, the Committee visited the Bolobedu Police Station. The Committee expressed its satisfaction with the progress made on the construction of the police station together with the high level of technology and the engineering installation at the station. The officials from the NDPWI displayed a high level of professionalism and knowledge when they engaged with the Committee during the site inspection.

As an opening remark, the Chairperson introduced the delegation and handed over to the Local Councillor to welcome everyone present in the meeting. The Councillor of Greater Letaba Local Municipality welcomed and acknowledged the good work that was done by the Members of the Portfolio Committee on Police, the leadership of SAPS, the members of the CPF and the technical team who has been responsible for the construction project at the station. The Councillor indicated that during the execution of the project, there were challenges and delays caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. The Councillor raised two issues which were supposed to form part of the building project of the police station.

In 2012 when the building process started at the police station, the initial drawing had the overhead bridge which connected the police station to the Detective Services division located across the road from the station. The Councillor requested the Committee to enquire or investigate about what happened to the overhead bridge. The link was to avoid the interference from the community when the station is dealing with criminals moving from one side to the other side. On behalf of the Mayor, the Councillor expressed his appreciation to the Committee for identifying the Bolobedu police station that is under their municipality to be one of the stations that were visited. The Councillor referred to one of the questions that is commonly asked by the community about the general workers who are being employed from outside the local areas. He requested that when the police station is officially opened to consider employing people who are residing within the area.

6.1.Presentations

The Provincial Commissioner of the Limpopo Province introduced her team and indicated that the station is completely built, and it will be official opened. The station does not have the furniture in the offices and boardrooms. She was not concerned about the station when it comes to crime as the station was well managed. There is a satellite station and fully fledged police station that are currently operating in the area. There is a challenge with insufficient personnel attached to the station, which needs to be addressed. The Provincial Commissioner indicated that the station does not experience challenges with vehicles despite the poor condition of the local terrain. She indicated that there is a need to use vehicle like 4x 4 bakkies. The Provincial Commissioner mentioned that every time they place an order for the vehicles, they are told that there is problem with the delivery, and they need to change the order. The changes result in the purchasing of unsuitable vehicles to avoid the situation of losing the funds for a particular year without being utilised. The Divisional Commissioner: Supply Chain Management was requested to have serious engagements with the service providers to ensure the availability of vehicles. The Provincial Commissioner prefers to be informed early about the challenges rather than to wait and be told at the last minute that they need to change the orders which is compromising them because opt for vehicle which they were not intended to purchase. The Provincial Commissioner expressed her appreciation to the Committee for visiting the Bolobedu police station.

6.2.Presentation from SAPS

The Provincial Commissioner of Limpopo indicated that the presentation will be led by the Station Commander Colonel Maluleke. As an introduction, the Station Commander gave a short overview of the Bolobedu police area. She highlighted that the area has 87 liquor outlets, which service a population of 218, 030 people. The station has a challenge with a high number of cases reported on Gender-based Violence and Femicide perpetrated against males, as well as the property-related crimes.

The Station Commander (Colonel Maluleke) presented the following information on the Bolobedu Police Station to the Committee:

Background information
Commander’s information
Churches and liquor outlets
Station personnel
Internal stakeholders
Challenges (Eternal Environment)
Planned Operations
Procedures of handling GBV victims
Crime overview
Action plan
Complaints against Bolobedu station

Note: The presentations can be obtained from the Committee Secretary on request.

6.3.Community Policing Forum (CPFs)

The Chairperson of the CPF gave an overview on the establishment of the CPF and indicated that they are partnering with the SAPS and their communities at large from Sector 1 to Sector 3. They are the eyes and ears of the SAPS in the community. The function of the CFPs is to fight crime from all angles. The CPFs have established seven Sub-forums from the sector one to sector three because not all the members can be able to extent themselves to perform the work from various sectors. Hence, each member is allocated to a particular sector to perform the work as required. The CPFs are conducting patrols during the month-end periods because elderly persons are being robbed of their monies, particularly by the so-called Nyaope boys.

The CPFs stated that they are getting a stipend from the Department of Transport of an amount of R1 900 on a quarterly basis. He highlighted the activities they are holding as the CPFs to find solutions to fight crime. The CPFs are conducting campaigns where they engage with the parents and children on a number of issues that are affecting them so as to be transparent. However, parents are sometimes not available to partake in the engagements.

The CPFs raised a number of challenges they are experiencing in the execution of their duties at schools. There is a challenge of transportation where in some instance they are not picked up at a particular time that they have agreed upon because a transport is moving from various sectors to collect them. The communities are sometimes reluctant to assist them in the fight against crime and is instead helping people who are committing crime. The lack of communication is affecting them and creates challenges. The postponement of meetings is caused by the schedule of the SAPS which does not correspond with they worksheets. This affects their responsibility to compile monthly reports.

The Committee was pleased to know that there is a good relation between the CPFs and police stations. The Committee was hoping that the situation is the same in the district level and provincial level. The SAPS was encouraged to continue providing support to the CPFs. The Committee requested the Department to convey its gratitude to the MEC for offering a stipend to the CPFs because as much as it might not be enough for now.

6.4.Committee deliberations

The Committee highlighted the following concerns during deliberations at the various venues visited:

The Committee questioned the DPWI as to when the Bolobedu police station is expected to be handed over to the SAPS.
The Committee believed that it was a good idea to have an overhead bridge for the safety of the community and it would be easy for the suspects to be taken to the cells.
The Committee felt that it was important to have the street committees in the communities working together with sector managers from the nearby police stations so that they can be aware of the challenges that are happening in the particular areas.
The school safety programme was encouraged by the Committee as it has been in existence for a long period. The programme should focus on the girls as they are increasingly used to traffic drugs to schools.
The Committee noted that crimes are committed every hour in the communities. The SAPS and communities should work together to ensure that they are dealing with crime related activities to be able to live without fear of crime.
The Committee noted that the cases reported against GBVF, particularly against males. The Committee strongly condemned all CBVF crimes.
The police officers were encouraged to be more visible in the community for service delivery purposes to enable them to regain trust and confidence from the civilians in order to work together in fighting crime with the assistance of the CPFs.
The Committee was concerned about the high number of cases registered against assault grievous bodily harm (GBH), however there should be measures that are put in place to prevent the escalation of GBH cases.
The Department stated that it has challenges of the bushes that are not being cut around the areas which makes it difficult for them to execute their work. The Committee encouraged the municipality to form a partnership with the stations and communities in fighting crime and assist where needed.
The Committee expressed its satisfaction with the excellent work that was done at the station by the engineers of the DPWI especially on the installation of equipment.

The Committee enquired about the maintenance of the building and equipment and questioned whether it will be covered by the contractor or DPWI.
The Committee was concerned about the fact that the SAPS barracks space was converted into officers since there is a shortage of accommodation for the police officers. The Committee raised an issue regarding the police officers that are no staying closer to the stations where they are working.
The Committee raised a concern about the tanks of fuel that will be carried by the officials when they have to fill a generator with petrol.
The vehicles that are at the garages should be repaired and the Department should indicate where their garages are situated across the Province. The SAPS was requested to provide a breakdown of the major maintenance that was done on vehicle tyres since the retrain might have a negative impact in damaging the tyres.
The Committee noted that there was an increase on property crime, however there was a disagreement that the business should find their own security to look after their properties.
The Committee was concerned about the large amount of funds that are used in building the police stations, and the escalation of building costs due to the overruns of the project.
The SAPS should provide a breakdown of the police officers who died on duty as well as the distance travelled by them to get to the stations where they are working.
The Provincial Commissioner was questioned if she has engaged with the National Commissioner about zero-based budget which works according to the needs of the community on ground as well as there needs of the stations throughout the province.
The SAPS was questioned about the wellness programmes they are offering for their police officers which will help them to deal with trauma especially when they come from crime scene of murder.
The Committee noted that there was no retention on the project yet there was still 97% remaining on the work that is not completed on the project.
The DPWI should provide the figure of consultation on the original price of the tender as it was supposed to form part of the project.
The SAPS should explain if it is conducting regular inspections on the scrapyard to check if there are no cable thefts, vehicles parts or second-hand dealings at the scrapyards.
The Committee was extremely concerned about teenage pregnancy and rape. The Committee wanted to know if the Department is able to arrest the perpetrators who are responsible impregnated the teenagers.
The SAPS did not make mention of the juveniles versus adult in terms of the arrests in order for the Committee to monitor progress.

6.5.Responses by the Department

The Department responded on the following matters:

The Committee asked a number of questions as a result due to time constraints the Departments will respond to some in writing.
The DPWI will consult with their seniors before responding on the matters related to construction in order to provide the Committee with accurate information. The Committee emphasised the point that when misleading Parliament is regarded as a criminal offence and one can be charged for providing false information.
The DPWI indicated that it was still waiting to get the fire compliance certificate and occupation certificate which were supposed to be issued by the municipality local authority. The DPWI assured the Committee that the station will be handed over to the SAPS on the second week of January 2024.
The Provincial Commissioner mentioned that in the previous year, there were about 200 girls who were pregnant, and which was a serious concerned of the province. The Department was conducted the investigation on some of the rape cases. SAPS stated that in many instance the rapes are happening in the families. This problem cannot resolve by SAPS alone it need the stakeholders and communities’ involvement.
The SAPS will collect the information in some of the aspects that requires the research purpose before it can be implemented.
The SAPS confirmed that it has the database on the information regarding the juveniles and adults, but it did not have the figures at hand. The SAPS promised that the information will be submitted to the Committee.
The Provincial Commissioner admitted that they have a challenge when it comes to the budget as a result the furniture for the new building is not sufficient on the services and goods based on the petrol hike and it is taking a lot of funds from their budget. The Department is currently purchasing what is needed for the station so that when it is occupied.
The majority of the living quarters are converted into offices because the SAPS members chose to return their allowances. The SAPS said there an issue pertaining to the living quarters because are left unoccupied and vandalised. In addition to the accommodation the police officers should be encouraged to own their properties, but the challenge is that some of them are on credit bureau as a result are unable to obtain lease or bond which prevent them from owning a property. The members should get their houses so that they can be able to stay with their families in the particular area where he or she is working. This is creating a challenge for the members to attend to complaints because they have to rush home since they are staying far from the stations and in some instance, they have to connect to get where they are staying because of the distances they are travelling.
The Department is offering the wellness programmes for its employers which includes the pastors, social workers, and psychologist. The Provincial Commissioner has given a directive that on the Monday one of those professionals should engage with the members even if few attendances.
The DPWI confirmed that there is a retention contract with the service provider.
The Councillor indicated that the municipality have the expanded Public Works Programme EPWP on the hotspot areas. They municipality cut the bush from the other areas such Zimhlope, but has come into conflict with Fauna and Flora. More than 10-years ago. the Municipality took a resolution not to approve licenses, but are having a challenge with traditional leaders in villages allowing the opening of taverns. The Community leaders are engaging with the Station Commander on the sector management meetings were all the issues are brought forwarded on the table for discussions where they will find a solution to address the issues with the communities. Each quarter they will engage with different stakeholders. The community is increasingly noticing the symptoms of nyaope, which must be addressed before the situation is uncontrollable.

The Chairperson expressed his satisfaction to the work that has been done by the Department. The Committee was excited to witness the excellent work that is displayed by the SAPS throughout the visits as well as a good relationship with the CPFs at the police stations. The Committee acknowledged that there are gaps in certain areas which needs to be addressed. The Committee welcomed information that SAPS has taken a decision to standardise the design of police stations going forward, as it will ensure uniformity and improved planning and budgeting. The design must always be available to avoid delays when the project starts. The Committee was generally satisfied with the work done at the station and was hoping it would have the same experience with Mankweng police station. The Committee will wait for the Department to submit the written responses. It is possible that the Committee might arrange another meeting depending on the information that will be contained in the report. The Committee thanked the DPWI for the completion of the project but expressed it dissatisfaction on the number of years that takes to build a station. The DPWI should improve its pace it cannot be allowed for a station to be built for 10 years like the Bolobedu.

7.Mankweng Police Station

The Committee visited the construction site at Mankweng police station on 03 December 2023 to assess the progress made on a project. The Committee discovered that certain sections are not yet completed and expressed concern as to why the DWPI would further allow delays without devising plans to ensure that the station is completed. The Committee visited the living quarters for Members that are not yet occupied due to storm water drainage challenges.

As an opening remark, the Chairperson welcomed everyone present in the meeting and introduced the delegation of the Committee. He indicated that the Committee was joined by the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Community Safety in the Limpopo Provincial Legislature. The Committee invited the Mayor of Polokwane, but received an apology from the Mayor Capricorn District Municipality. The Chairperson outlined the process that will be followed by the Committee after it has engaged with the Department on the presentation. The Committee will first compile its report which will be debated in the National Assembly of Parliament, and once the Assembly adopted the recommendations, the Department will be required to address and implement those recommendations.

The Committee expressed its dismay with the DPWI for the manner in which the construction process was handled at Mankweng police station. The Committee has resolved to invite the Minister of Public Work and Infrastructure, and Minister of Police to a meeting to find a solution to the obstacles in the services rendered to the SAPS. If it was for the Committee, it would have taken all capital works projects from the DPWI and devolve it to SAPS. The Chairperson referred to the contract that was terminated with the service provider two years ago at Mankweng police station. The Chairperson was concern about the slow pace in appointing another contractor, yet the information containing the design and structure of the station is available. The construction commenced in 2007, yet it was far from the completion stage despite the fact that the Committee was promised that the building will be completed in 2024. The Committee cannot allow the process to be prolong, because it has significant financial implications.

The Committee, departments and guests were welcomed by a Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) of the Capricorn District Municipality. The MMC indicated that this was the second visit at the police station and urged that something need to be done to resolve the situation.

7.1.Presentations

The SAPS was given an opportunity to comment on the project before the start of presentations. The Divisional Commissioner: Supply Chain Management stated that the SAPS has also relayed its dissatisfaction with the DPWI on several occasions pertaining to the project of Mankweng and other projects that are currently in existence. The SAPS reminded the DPWI that the Mankweng Police Station is amongst the Top 30 Stations recording high crime levels in the Limpopo province. It is critical for the station to be finalised as soon as possible to enable the SAPS to fight crime. The Department will be engaging at an operational level to find the mechanism that can make the document into reality as where they are seated the document was not realistic.

The Provincial Commissioner of the Limpopo Province introduced her team and expressed her frustration regarding the current situation at the station. The Provincial Commissioner indicated that when she joined the province the situation of the station was in the same condition, yet it has remained without any improvement. She has engaged with the MEC and Minister of DPWI through a teleconference about the challenges that were encountered. She was adamant that the efforts that are being made will turnaround the situation. The Provincial Commissioner appreciated the visit paid by the Committee. The Department is conducting the operation Shanela every weekend in these areas because the station is rated amongst those station with high level of crime. The station is seating at number two in terms of sexual crimes, including rape. The station needs a back-up power supply during load shedding.

As an introduction, the Station Commander gave a short overview of the Mankweng area. He highlighted that the Mankweng area has 291 taverns, which service a population of estimates 219 550 people. The SAPS informed the Committee that the growth in the number of taverns has made it difficult to police the area. The SAPS is having a challenge on the number of rape cases reported which involves money where one of the parties do not fulfil the agreement on payment terms. The Station Commander highlighted categories where it is mostly having challenges such as death, rape offences which are caused by the number of taverns that surrounded in the area.

The Station Commander (Brigadier Mathabatha) presented the following information on the Mankweng Police Station to the Committee:

Station Geographical map
Geographical profile
Infrastructure
Human resource (personnel)
Physical resources (vehicles)
SAPS 6
Crime comparison
Action executed
Challenges
Mitigation

Note: The presentations can be obtained from the Committee Secretary on request.

7.2.Community Policing Forum (CPFs)

The Chairperson of the CFP informed the Committee that it has a good relationship with the local police. The CPF is engaging with communities, youth, and visit school learners. The CPF highlighted a number of campaigns they are conducting. The CPFs are also working together with the Community in Blue initiative and with Traditional leaders in fighting crime. They are having a challenge with a transportation especially when they are conducting the campaigns in some instances, they have to wait approximately four hours from the pickup points. The CPFs requested to be assisted with a vehicle.

The Committee Chairperson was pleased to hear that the CPFs are working well with the station and encouraged both parties to continue maintain a good relationship in order to fight crime. The Chairperson noted that the SAPS should urgently attend to the issue of transportation for CPFs.

7.3.Committee deliberations

The Committee highlighted the following concerns during deliberations:

The Committee was extremely concerned about the construction project at the Mankweng police station which was not completed within the prescribed timeframes. These delays have an impact on the service deliver which prevented the station in fighting crime to optimal level as it is expected.
The Committee was not satisfied with the quality of the work that was done on the project which has a numerous challenge that will continuously involve costs on the budget.
The contract with the previous contractor was terminated two years ago. The Committee expressed its dismay to the DPWI for failing to appoint another service provider to complete the infrastructure development at Mankweng police station. The station remains with a significant challenge of not having holding cells, resulting in perpetrators being transported for long distances to a station that does have holding cells.
The Committee raised an issue regarding the Project Manager and the consultant who were supposed to constantly monitored on the project stages.
The Committee indicated that the contractor that was previously appointed by the DPWI, did not possess necessary knowledge and experience in the construction field. The Committee questioned the criteria used by the DPWI when it made the appointment of a contractor. Supply Chain Management should be held liable for not conducting background checks when appointing contractors. The Committee felt that the SAPS should take over from the DPWI to ensure that it is in charge of its infrastructure development projects and maintenance.
The Committee was not convinced about the percentages that were provided in the report regarding the work that was already completed on the projects. The Committee indicated that, based on what was witnessed during the visit, the project milestones reported were not a true reflection of what is given to the report. The Department should conduct an analysis on the project and provide feedback to the Committee.
The Committee suspected some fraudulent activities in the appointment of contractors and proposed that a criminal investigation should be launched to establish if the project funds were utilised for what it was intended for.
The Committee raised concern about the distances travelled by police officers from their homes to work and back. The Committee indicated that urgent intervention is needed to address the situation.
The Committee wanted to know if the Department was not taken to court for terming the contractor before the completion of the project. The DPWI should provide the reasons as to why the project was stopped at an advanced stage.
The Committee noted that the delays caused by the DPWI in building the police stations is denying the communities right to have access to services.

7.4.Responses by the Department

The Department responded on the following matters:

The SAPS took note of the observations which were made by the Committee during the two days of the visits at the stations. The concerns will be brought forward to the attention of the National Commissioner.
The SAPS will reconsider the location of the garages across provinces to ensure that vehicle services and repairs are done at more strategic locations.
The speed on construction seems to be a challenge which is impacting the service delivery.
The SAPS will reconsider the costs associated to finalisation of constructions from urban and rural areas.
The SAPS will reconsider the moderation of back-up power supplies as generators are outdated and costly to operate.
The SAPS will engage with the National Committee to make sure that the three stations (built by SAPS) are opened in the next financial year to prevent the service delivery from being compromised.
The local authorities need to consider the review on the by-laws to turnaround the situation especially with the taverns.
The SAPS will improve the building of Victim Friendly Rooms where need. The Department of Social Development needs to come on-board to assist in this area.
The SAPS stated that a number of campaigns are ongoing, especially on GBVF-related crimes.

The Committee expressed its appreciation to the presenters, as well as the good work that is done by the station. The Committee was concerned about the murder rate even though it has declined. The Committee noted that the Councillor at Kgapane was highly involved in the community activities and was encouraged to continue the work being done. The Departments should prepare the reports on the aspects that need to be submitted in writing to the Committee. The DPWI report will determine whether the Committee should conduct the investigation on the matter related to the appointment of the contractor. The Chairperson cautioned the Department not to mislead Parliament because it would be painful when they are summoned to appear before Parliament.

8.Recommendations

The Committee recommends the following:

The Committee recommends that the DPWI must ensure that the completion of construction projects remain on schedule and be completed within the set timeframes.

The Committee recommends that the building of police stations must include accommodation for officers attached to the station.
The Committee recommends that the SAPS should finalise standardised plans for the construction of police stations to minimise time-delays in the planning and design phases of construction projects.
The Committee recommends that more functions should be devolved from the DPWI to the SAPS to enable them to take ownership and control of their building and maintenance projects.
The Committee recommended that the SAPS should make resources available to CPFs to support their activities, including suitable transportation.
The Committee recommends that Supply Chain Management Divisions should adhere to policies that are prescribed for awarding of tenders to contractors. The Committee further recommends that thorough background checks must be conducted prior to the appointment of contractors to ensure that projects can be finalised.
The Committee recommends that mitigating steps must be implemented to avoid the escalation of cost-overruns due to prolonged construction times.
The Committee recommends that the DWPI must submit a comprehensive report on the Mankweng project.
The Committee recommends that the SAPS should develop National Water Plan/Strategy to ensure that police stations countrywide have access to water.

9.Conclusion

The Chairperson thanked Members of the Committee, Provincial Commissioner of the Limpopo Province and her team, the DPWI officials, the Chairpersons of the CPFs, the representatives of the MEC, the Chairperson of the Provincial Legislature, the Office of the Mayor in Capricorn and other stakeholders as the Committee appreciated their attendance. The Committee further expressed its appreciation to the MEC of Transport for offering a stipend to the CPFs in the Limpopo Province.

Report to be considered.

Documents