Nigel Police stations severely understaffed

NIGEL – The greater Nigel area has a total population of over 76 637 residents (according to the 2011 census), yet in Duduza there is only one police officer for every 795 residents, in Nigel one for every 436 residents and in Dunnottar one for every 284 residents. The ratio for SAPS Heidelberg is one officer for every 296 residents.

This information was provided to the Democratic Alliance (DA) by the minister in reply to recent questions in parliament, which revealed the crippling shortages of police officers as follows: SAPS Duduza (72% understaffed), SAPS Nigel (50% understaffed) and SAPS Dunnottar (23% understaffed).

In his reply to the DA, the minister stated that in order to effectively fight crime, the preferred ratio should be minimum police strength of one police officer to 220 people. This figure was prescribed by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.

“In other words, in order to meet the ratio of one police officer per 220 residents, SAPS Duduza would need an increase of 261% in police officers, SAPS Nigel would need an increase of 50% and SAPS Dunnottar would need a 29% increase,” DA deputy chief whip Michael Waters said in a media statement.

Based on the current ratios, it means there are a total number of 72 vacancies at SAPS Duduza, 50 at SAPS Nigel and 23 at SAPS Dunnottar.

“This dire situation simply cannot be allowed to continue. It is little wonder that crime is spiralling out of control. We do not have adequate sector policing and the conviction rate is dismal. The situation in Duduza is so bad, it is ranked the 16th worst staffed police station in the entire East Rand,” Waters expressed his dismay.

“During a meeting which I had with SAPS Nigel station commander Col Mohale a few months back, I was impressed with his enthusiasm and managerial skills. My discussion with him however, revolved mainly around the Nigel CPF structure, but in my opinion the statistics provided by the minister are also important to the local CPF, as understaffed police stations can currently not handle the volumes of crime by themselves,” DA councillor Wollaston Labuschagne said in response to HERAUT’s enquiry.

Whereas he was shocked by the ratios, Labuschagne said he would also like to see the ratio for the Alrapark satellite police station, as this station operates only during normal business hours to serve the communities of Alrapark, MacKenzieville and Cerutiville.

“These communities need a fully functional station in order to assist with substance abuse cases, murder and rape. This is exactly why I have arranged a meeting with the chief of the EMPD Drug Enforcement Unit two months ago in my capacity as ward councillor and member of the Community Safety Oversight Committee. Since then, several drug related arrests have been made and investigations into continuous drug dealing are ongoing.”

South Africans need to feel safe in their houses, without fear of waking up with burglars next to their beds. Government’s responsibility is to ensure that we are safe in our homes.

With a limited number of police officers, only so much can be done in the fight against crime. What is needed, is a commitment from Government to not only staff the police appropriately but also to train them to ensure a professional police service.

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