After years of requesting to have a police station built in Leondale, one of Alberton SAPS policing precincts, they now have a mobile police station.
Alberton SAPS has stationed a truck conveniently built as a mobile station outside Pick n Pay Local Leondale.
This was done with the aim to alleviate pressure on Alberton SAPS police station, while combating crime in sector three of their policing precinct which includes Phumula, Rondebult, Leondale and surrounding areas.
The mobile station will assist with certification, opening of dockets and compiling affidavits.
Alberton SAPS acting station commander Lieutenant Colonel Simpe Makopo said locals had initially requested to have a police station built to cover their radius.
“They wanted a police station, but we managed to bring them this mobile police station. It will assist greatly because instead of them taking a taxi to visit our station, they will now walk to receive good assistance from our members. We will now be able to minimize the pressure of people coming to our station,” he said.
Makopo said this will also assist in reducing crime in the area since this area is one of their busiest policing sectors.
According to Bonginkosi Ngobese, sector three’s CPF chairperson, this mobile police station will be of great assistance to community members.
“Our community has a high crime rate, with issues ranging from substance abuse, gender-based violence and house break-ins, among others. Having police visibility in the area will also scare culprits away. Those wanting to invest in the community can freely do so, seeing that we have police in the area,” he said.
Resident Mandisa Thanda said this mobile station came at a time when it is needed most.
“As residents, we are grateful for bringing these services to us. We’re happy that we will now just walk coming here, instead of the trip that we had to make to make a statement or certify documents,” she said.
Local councillors Sanele Hlongwane and Nqaba Tshabalala thanked the police for extending their services to the community.
These services will be rendered on weekdays from 08:00 to 16:00 outside Pick n Pay Local Leondale, next to KFC.