Evicted Saps units move to old court building
It was also brought to the Herald's attention that the current state of the old Magistrate's Court has a negative impact on the morale of the staff.
The fight against crime must go on, and despite the poor state of the old Port Shepstone Magistrate’s court building, it is now occupied by the Port Shepstone Vehicle Crime Investigation Unit (VCIU), Tactical Response Team (TRT) and Vehicle Safeguarding Unit (VSU) which were evicted from their premises in Marburg a week ago.
The Marburg facility, which has some 1 056 parking bays, was custom-built for the Saps in 2006. Some 200 vehicles were moved out of the pound. Vehicles belonging to the Saps were towed to the Saps garage in Izotsha, while some 150 vehicles involved in collisions, crimes, stolen and bullet-riddled have been abandoned on the roadside since September 13.
Staff witnessed office equipment and paperwork being stored outside the building. While the eviction order was being carried out, the public came for assistance to obtain the necessary documentation for clearance; some were assisted, while others were turned away.
Turned away
Anton Hanika from Germany had purchased a vehicle to do safari tours in the country. He was turned away as staff could not assist him as the computers had been unplugged and sent to storage. It is believed that Hanika had purchased the vehicle from Mike Fourie, and they had to obtain clearance in Durban. Several others were also turned away.
It was reported that by September 18 (last Wednesday), the property had not been totally cleared out, as vehicles were still parked outside and inside the pound.
Old court building
The conditions at the units’ ‘new home’ are shocking – toilets are not working, amongst other things, no water, and piles of rubbish along the corridors, however, members must continue working.
It was also brought to the Herald’s attention that the current state of the old court has a negative impact on the morale of the staff. It also portrays an unprofessional image to the communities they serve.
The Herald also found:
* No communication channels were available as there are no data lines to perform computer work for releasing vehicles.
* The safety of cars cannot be guaranteed as the vehicles were left on the side of the road, some dumped onto the prison property, and some taken to Port Edward Saps.
* There is no idea where exhibits are or whether they are still intact, as the public has access to the exhibits.
* There is no key for the walk-in safe. For example, the TRT’s equipment and firearms have to be placed in safe custody.
* Service delivery to the public is being hindered. For example, exhibits and victims of crime-related incidents will be sent from pillar to post because their cars are scattered along the South Coast.
* With regards to the clearance office, the public, especially trucks, have no turning space.
* Inconvenience to the public.
The Saps is dependent on the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) for the construction, upgrade and maintenance of police infrastructure, and it’s hoped that it can come to the aid of staff.
The Port Shepstone Saps Communications Department issued a statement informing the public that all vehicles suspected to be stolen and stolen vehicles will be impounded at Saps Port Edward for further investigation.
The contact numbers for VCIU are as follows:
The unit commander Colonel Adam Draai – 071 6836495
Captain Jacques Vermaak – 082 4115561
Member on standby – 079 5000863
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like the South Coast Herald’s Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram
