It has been seven months since the Elsburg police moved to their new police station in Wadeville.
The GCN visited the new station located at 100 Nagington Road on Thursday to speak to Elsburg SAPS station commander Col Linah Thethe and find out the reasons behind the move.
“We officially moved here in April,” explained Thethe.
“The moving process began years ago after research was done and it was found that the ground the old police station was built on was full of dolomite and not fit for human habitation.
“So it was recommended that we move.
“So the process began long ago, and in time a suitable building was found within our policing precinct and we were able to move.”
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The building was selected as it is centrally located within the Elsburg policing precinct and allowed officers to continue their duties.
“There are no hiccups in our officers responding to calls or performing their duties,” said Thethe.
“Our services to the community have not been interrupted.”
When asked how the community was adjusting to the move Thethe explained.
“Our community are adjusting well and they were informed of the move both before and after,” said Thethe.
“The only residents who may have difficulties finding us are those who do not live in the area, but there is a notice at the old station that directs them to our new location.
“But we haven’t had many reports or complaints from the community that they are struggling to find us.”
Currently there is no signage directing community members to the new police station, but this should change soon.
“It is the metro’s duty to erect the signage,” said Thethe.
“We have been advised by Ward 39 councillor Alta de Beer that this will be done soon.
“We know we do not have enough direction boards, but are pleased that this is being attended to as a priority.”
When asked how the staff of the Elsburg Police Station are adjusting to the new station Thethe explained.
“For us the move has been the best thing ever,” she said.
“In the old station not all of our staff were accommodated in the same building, but now there is ample space for all of us.
“You can see our members are happy to be here.
“There is also a large of amount parking for both staff and the community.”
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Also housed in the same building is the Elsburg SAPS Victim Support Centre.
The GCN spoke to volunteer Willem Coetzee who shared a little bit more about the centre and what they do.
“The centre provides free trauma counselling for victims of rape, hijacking, armed robbery, domestic violence and other crimes,” said Coetzee.
“We are there to support the victim throughout their crime process whatever that may be.
“We offer advice and explain what steps need to be taken, but always in a supportive way.”
The centre is in need of more volunteers.
“We need more volunteers as we head into our busy season,” said Coetzee.
The role of the volunteer is to be there as support for the victim of crime, by defusing situations, debriefing, and providing emotional and practical support.
For more information on the centre or to become a volunteer call the centre on 078 708 9965.
REMINDER:
Community is reminded of the Elsburg sector numbers:
• Elsburg Sector One, which covers Elsburg, Wadeville, Lambton and Mimosa Park is managed by Const Erin Palmer, and the community can call 071 675 6892.
• Elsburg Sector Two, which covers Elspark, Egoli, Graceland and parts of Klipoortjie, is managed by Const Velaphi Zwane, and the community can call 071 675 6896.
• Elsburg Sector Three, which covers Rondebult, Buhle Park and parts of Klipoortjie, is managed by Sgt Lesego Morekisi, and the community can call 071 675 6898.
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Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor) germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za or Leigh Hodgson (News Editor) leighh@caxton.co.za.
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