The DA Constituency Head Alan Fuchs recently conducted an oversight inspection at the Florida Police Station.
During the visit, it was observed that while morale is high at the station, there are staff shortages and insufficient vehicles, which have a negative impact on policing in the area.
Through a press release, the Democratic Alliance (DA) in Roodepoort confirmed that they have launched a petition to put pressure on the MEC for Community Safety, Faith Mazibuko to ensure urgently that the station has all the resources they need to deliver police services to its residents effectively.
“These problems are also evident at the other police stations in the cluster, namely Roodepoort, Honeydew and Sophiatown. The other problem identified is the lack of office space for the detectives. Despite ongoing and repeated efforts by the local ward councillor to resolve the problem with the National Department of Public Works, the problem persists,” said Fuchs.
Florida police detectives continue to work in a small hall of approximately 110m² at the back of the police station.
One option that was raised with Public Works is the potential use of the currently abandoned Maraisburg police station, but a response to this proposal is yet to be received.
Another matter that was raised is the urgent intervention needed to deal with drug trafficking and illegal mining, as well as response times when crimes are reported.
Fuchs urged Roodepoort residents to access the petition online at https://tinyurl.com/teke96vr.
Florida police station commander, Colonel Amos Tsotetsi confirmed Fuchs’s recent oversight inspection at the station.
“However, as you know the station is utilising the Integrated Multi-Disciplinary approach and Disruptive Operations to reduce contact,” said Tsotetsi.
Gauteng Community Safety spokesperson Pinkie Numa said the office of the MEC had not yet received the petition, and when it is eventually received, it will have to go to the relevant department.
