SAPS vehicle unit locked out again as matter drags on and on

STAFF at the Port Shepstone Vehicle Identification Section (VIS) in Marburg were locked out once again on Monday last week.

The premises were last locked in February after a notice on the gates stated that the premises would be closed until further notice due to the Department of Public Works’ failure to pay the rent.

The building also houses the SAPS Tactical Response Team (TRT) unit. Problems with the lease and rent date back to 2013 and the building had been locked on numerous occasions in the past.

Landlord Shaun Naidoo said, despite numerous written requests to the Department of Public Works to address the issue of the unsigned lease agreement, the matter has dragged on from 2013 and the department blatantly ignores all the landlord’s attempts to resolve the issue.

“Is my building compliant? If not, why is the department of Public Works forcefully occupying a building that does not have a occupancy certificate?” asked Mr Naidoo.

“The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) has, in a sworn affidavit, stated that the building was ‘not issued an occupancy certificate’. The unit backs its claims with an affidavit by Ray Nkonyeni Municipality building inspector.”

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Thami Mchunu, spokesman for the Department of Public Works, said the department had a court order for the sheriff to open the pound. Just before going to print yesterday (Wednesday) the staff was reported to be back at work.

Mr Naidoo has since requested the Hawks, as well as National Treasury, to attend to his written complaints about the department.

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