Sebenza SAPS short of vehicles

There is a shortage of vehicles at the Sebenza Police station, but the station commander has dismissed any talk of a crisis regarding crime prevention operations.

This was brought to light by the DA’s Member of Parliament, MP Michael Waters.

11 out of the station’s 22 vehicles used for routine police operations have since been taken to a mechanical workshop and have not returned.

MP Waters said the vehicles have been in the workshop for over 88 days, exceeding the normal time for regular maintenance and therefore affecting police operations.

“Vehicles are essential in order for the police to conduct their daily duties, and the workshop should be servicing and repairing them speedily. The lack of vehicles affects the police’s ability to respond to crimes and to conduct investigations into crimes,” he said.

“It is unacceptable that the replacing of a cylinder head, for example, has so far taken 339 days, an engine overhaul 96 days and a simple inspection 41 days. In the private sector, it would take a few days at best,” said MP Waters.

The Sebenza SAPS’s station commander, Lieutenant Colonel Michelle Toohey, has confirmed that 11 vehicles were taken for mechanical repairs.

Lt Col Toohey was unable to give an account of what happens at the mechanical workshop.

“At this point I cannot comment on the running of our Mechanical School, where all vehicle repairs are done,” said Lt Col Toohey.

However she admitted that recently the repairs seemed to take longer than usual.

“Vehicle repairs usually took around one to two weeks, but lately it is taking a few months for vehicles to return from maintenance,” she said.

Lt Col Toohey said the shortage does not compromise police work.

“The crime prevention operations are run very well, even though there is a shortage of vehicles,” she said.

MP Waters vowed to take the matter up with the Minister of Police, Nkosinathi Nhleko.