The building that was used to accommodate the employees of a construction company a few years ago in KwaThema’s Extension three will soon be used as a mini police station.
The sector five Community Police Forum and the police started to clean the building last Friday to prepare it for major renovations.
Speaking on behalf of the CPF, chairman Mxolisi Kota said they believe that having a mini station centre in that area will help fight against crime.
Kota said the high levels of crime in that area are worrying the community who always live in fear.
He said sometimes residents do not report criminal activities happening in their area because they cannot afford to pay for transport to the police station in Habede Street.
He explained that the centre will also help residents who need to write affidavits and certify their documents such as copies of their ID books.
Kota explained that the centre will deliver the best service to the residents of KwaThema, however the police will not be available 24 hours at the centre as they will also be patrolling the area.
“The police officers who will be working at the centre will also be responsible for ensuring the safety of the residents on the streets,” said Kota.
One of the KwaThema Extension three residents, Elsy Khumalo said the centre will make them feel protected.
“We live in fear in this area because the police station is far from us,” said Khumalo, adding that sometimes victims of crime failed to report the crime because they did not have money to take a taxi to the police which is kilometers away from their area.
Khumalo also agrees that having a mini police station next to them will help decrease crime.
“I believe that the criminals who commit house break-ins and theft during the day while people are at work, will decrease as the police will be more visible in the area,” she concluded.