Potchefstroom, also known as the City of Expertise, is set to lose the provincial SAPS headquarters to the capital city, Mahikeng after confirmation from the NW premier, Supra Mahumapelo.
In a recent interview with the SABC at the handing over of command to Lt-Genl Baile Motswenyane, Mahumapelo was quoted as saying, ‘We have made the decision as a province. The national minister has agreed, in principle. I have spoken to the provincial commissioner, the MEC and the national acting commissioner. All of us have agreed that it must be done but it must be done in phases. As soon as we have worked out a timetable, we will know when the top management of the SAPS will start the migration to Mahikeng. There is no way that it will not happen; it’s just a matter of time.’
(The video is also available in the Office of the Premier’s Facebook page.)
The Herald contacted the national SAPS office to shed more light on the relocation. We wanted to know the main reasons for moving such a big department to Mahikeng; how it would enhance policing in the province; the costs involved; whether there is already a building in place to accommodate the personnel and what will happen to the current provincial SAPS building in Potchefstroom. The acting head of corporate communication and liaison in the South African Police Service, Brig. Sally de Beer says the movement of the North West SAPS Provincial office to Mahikeng or Mmabatho has been under consideration over the past few years.
‘We are considering available infrastructure at this time and can, therefore, not give time frames or more definite information.
‘However, any relocation will be preceded by engagements in terms of the law, for example, the Labour Relations Act, to consider personal circumstances and living arrangements of affected personnel,’ she said.
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