FOLLOW-UP: Benoni SAPS mobile unit not yet deployed

On March 29, the City Times reported that Gauteng Provincial MEC for Community Safety Faith Mazibuko visited Kingsway to present the Benoni SAPS with a mobile police station.

“The mobile unit aims to bring services closer to some of the city’s most disadvantaged communities,” said Benoni SAPS station commander Brig Thabo Mphuthi.

However, nearly a month after the official hand-over the unit has not yet been deployed.

“Upon receiving the unit we were informed that the unit had not been registered nor cleared for use,” said Capt Nomsa Sekele, spokesperson for the police station.

“We are not above the law and have to ensure that all due processes have been followed before we can bring the unit into service.

“The process has, however, been frustrating as we were not aware that the unit was not immediately certified to be used on public roads.”

She continued by saying that they realise that Kingsway and surrounding residents are disappointed that the unit is not yet available as promised during the public launch.

“We have followed all the protocols and hope that we will receive the necessary paperwork so that operations can begin,” said Sekele.

“We apologise for the delay. Unfortunately, the matter is out of our hands.”

Once operational the mobile unit will be rotated among five areas including Lindelani, Alliance and Brentwood Park, and services will include affidavits, certifying copies of official documents and the opening of dockets.

At the time of publication, no comment had been received from the MEC’s office.

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