Detectives at the Boksburg SAPS’ detective branch have been left without power for weeks, and they have also complained that they are forced to work in a derelict building.
Staff members, who asked not to be named for fear of victimisation, raised concerns about their work environment which is beset by electricity problems – they said negatively impacting on service delivery.
The Advertiser visited the facility on November 30 and found officers indeed working in the dark.
“Three weeks without electricity is too much. It’s dark here and we are unable to perform some of the basic administrative tasks because the computer system and telephone lines are offline. We are even forced to use our own cellphones to contact complainants,” bemoaned the officers.
To make matters worse, the crumbling facility is not even equipped with a backup generator to keep the lights on and allow officers to perform their tasks, which requires them to access information on the computer system.
The Boksburg SAPS spokesperson, Sgt Ntsako Ledwaba, said the facility had been left without power due to a faulty electricity box that supply the building. It’s believed that the fault is a result of recent attempted cable theft.
“The problem was reported to the municipality and they have promised to send a technician to investigate the problem and take the necessary steps to repair the electricity box,” explained Ledwaba.
Sickening environment
Apart from the electricity problem, officers complained that the building they are working in is plagued by a number of problems, posing a serious health risk to workers.
These include inadequate toilets for staff and clients, structural defects, and that part of the property has turned into a jungle of some sort, which is harbouring reptiles such as lizards that linger in the yard and building.
With regards to the state of the building and the lack of a backup generator, the police passed the buck to the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI), saying the SAPS is just a tenant and DPWI is responsible for the building maintenance and provision of backup generator.
Department of Public Works and Infrastructure has not yet responded to our request for comment.
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