‘Seshego detective station a ticking time bomb’ – EFF

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in Limpopo has labelled Seshego Police Station’s detective offices a ticking time bomb for its allegedly dilapidated structure poses a serious threat to the lives of those entrusted with the responsibility of fighting crime in communities.
In a media statement issued by the party’s provincial chairperson, Jossey Buthane it is alleged that the station, used by more than 80 officers attached to the crime intelligence and family violence, child protection and sexual violence units as well as administrative clerks, does not guarantee the safety of dockets and other sensitive classified information. The current condition of the building is a ticking time bomb because anything can happen at any given time, Buthane claimed.
“There are no security officers at the main gate and therefore people go in and out as they wish. This puts the lives of the detectives in danger. The main door to the building is broken to an extent that criminals can enter with ease and steal dockets or any other sensitive information. There are also roof leakages in the offices and passages forcing officers to use buckets to control water when it rains. The offices are divided with cardboard despite the fact that they carry dockets and sensitive classified information,” Buthane alleged.
He further said that, instead of solving crime and protecting communities, the Police spend most of their time worrying about the condition of the station. According to him, the Department of Public Works, Roads and Infrastructure inspectors reported that the building was old, unrepairable and not suitable for use by people. Somehow the report was tampered with by higher authorities to give the impression that all was well at the station, he alleged. Buthane called upon Public Works, Roads and Infrastructure MEC, Monicca Mochadi to provide a lasting solution to law enforcement officers in the station.
Departmental medial liaison officer Mamoshahe Mabotha was contacted for comment and he indicated that Police stations, correctional service facilities, courts and defence institutions fall under the competency of the national Department of Public Works. He further said, after learning of the allegations, his office made the regional office of Public Works aware of the claims. Polokwane Observer was referred to regional head Musa Nsthani for additional information on the matter but his cell phone remained on voicemail at the time of going to print.

Story: ENDY SENYATSI
>>endy@observer.co.za