Residents are very impressed with the steps taken by Boksburg North police management to address deteriorating service delivery in its firearms department (FRC).
This comes after resident Riana Steenkamp, who felt uninspired by the department’s performance, said people were often forced to queue for unreasonable hours and were eventually turned away.
However, following the complaint, the police management took a few measures to address the issue. These include extending the operating days from five to six working days for six weeks consecutively (May 17 to June 26).
The Advertiser visited the centre on May 29, and the residents interviewed described the extension of operating days as the best remedy to the problem.
One of the residents, Lynne Bowery, said: “I feel fantastic about the Saturday appointment as weekdays used to be a nightmare here. The service we receive now is perfect, and the officer who stepped in to assist us on Saturdays is friendly and so helpful. I really appreciate it.”
Meanwhile, Leon Nel, Pierre Britz and Dave Lewis echoed Bowery’s sentiments, adding that they wish that the Saturday appointment is continued until the backlog is completely cleared.
Steenkamp said service delivery such as this helps a lot to enhance the relationship between police and the public.
This is how it works
The firearms office is now open on Saturdays at 8.30am for people who want to renew their firearm licence and for the renewal of competence certificate/card.
However, members of the public need to make bookings in advance at the FRC office where they can choose the Saturday that best suit them.
Although the officer recently had to also assist walk-ins who claimed that they were not aware of reservations, no walk-ins are allowed. Only 10 applicants will be assisted per Saturday, and these are only those who made appointments in advance.
For more information, contact Const Ramaube on 071 675 6988.
Also Read: Long queue at the Boksburg North SAPS firearm office causes headache for resident