Phola police station is open and ready to serve the community
On June 24 Phola Police Station was officially opened.
For years the population of Phola had been travelling about 10 kilometres to have access to basic safety at the neighbouring town’s police station being Ogies but all of that has come to an end. On June 24 Phola Police Station was officially opened.
Different dignitaries attended and spoke about how the police station must be placed into good use by community members and police.
Acting National Commissioner, Lt Gen Khomotso Phahlane was one of the officials that made an appearance speaking about how police should work together with people in order to help fight crime. She placed a strong emphasis on corruption stating that it shall not be tolerated.
“Police must not celebrate the neatness and comfortability of the police station and forget that they have a community to serve, you must serve your community, province and country with pride and dignity,” said Lt Gen Phahlane.
Honorable Nkosinathi Nhleko (Minister of Police), Abram Masango (Eskom Group Executive), Vusi Shongwe (MEC of Community Safety, Security and Liaison) and Cllr Lindiwe Ntshalintshali (Emalahleni Executive Mayor) cutting the ribbon declaring the Phola Police Station officially opened. The ceremony was held on June 24.
The station was not built in a day; it is a vivid example as to how working together people can do more. In 2009 the community with consultation with police and relevant stakeholders requested Eskom Kusile Power Station Project in partnership with KCW JV contractors to assist in building the station. Eskom group executive for Group Capital Division, Mr Abram Masango was present to indicate that Eskom does not only invest in skills but also in community development like this project.
“We hope that this police station will assist in getting rid of crime in the area. May it grow and prosper,” said a cheerful Masango.
Members who were involved in the parade saluted the Minister of Police Honorable Nkosinathi Nhleko as he took to the podium speaking about how policing goes beyond the uniform and guns. There are people of the community that needs to be taken care of.
“The biggest lesson you can teach your children is respect, teach them to respect which will enable them to respect others and their belongings. They will know that what does not belong to them should not be stolen,” emphasised Nhleko.
He concluded by applauding everyone involved who made the project possible.
Amongst those that thanked the different participants actively involved in the project was the Executive mayor of Emalahleni Cllr Lindiwe Ntshalinsthali and the MEC of Community Safety, Security and Liaison Mr Vusi Shongwe.
Cllr Ntshalintshali said the municipality opened this station as they saw that Ogies was not coping and because it is her duty to take care of people’s needs, the idea of building the station was conceived.
“I assure you, the station will be put to good use,” said a delighted Ntshalintshali.
There was a parade, a brass band and community members cheered as the ribbon was cut allowing officials to make their way in to take a tour in the new police station.
The day was then rounded off with celebrations hosted at Masakane Stadium, sports field.
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