Long lines at station

Moyahabo Mabeba

POLOKWANE – THE meandering queues at the Polokwane police station at the corner of Hans van Rensburg and Bodenstein Streets often get so long that they make anyone think twice before reporting a crime or getting help.

Area police officers, who seem evidently understaffed, battle under immense pressure to certify official documents like identity documents, academic records and complete affidavits.

The long queues not only place police officers under duress, but residents who have to stand in the stretched rows under the unforgiving Polokwane sun as well. Polokwane police spokesperson, WO Lesiba Ramoshaba, confirmed that they were often inundated by the multitudes that are from outside the Polokwane policing area.

The situation is often distressing at the beginning of the year during the registration period at institutions of higher learning.

Ramoshaba said they were also swamped when provincial departments had advertised vacancies and applicants came in droves to certify their educational qualifications, IDs and service certificates on the last day of submission.

“People should understand that Polokwane is the provincial capital and people get most of the services done here. However, I wish to state categorically that no matter how large the number of people who come here who are outside our policing area, we will never chase them away. Indeed we are flooded, but I wouldn’t say we are understaffed. We are aware of the strenuous situation, especially that it affects our colleagues, but we are currently devising means to lessen the pressure,” said Ramoshaba.

Morongwa Thoka (23), a third year student at the University of South Africa (Unisa), said she endured the ordeal of standing in the long lines everytime she had to certify something.

“The first time I witnessed these long queues at the Polokwane police station, I almost gave up.

“However, I had no choice but to endure the hot January sun,” said Thoka, who is originally from Botlokwa.

Seshego resident, Joe Ramaloko, said because he is impatient, he preferred to certify his documents at the local station, especially at night.

“I am well aware of the situation at the Polokwane station and I now avoid doing things there. I really can’t stand in the line for long hours, considering that there is no shelter there,” he said.