Residents of Ekulindeni outside Elukwatini in Mpumalanga are concerned about the poor service rendered by their local police station. They say this is due to a shortage of police vehicles. It is alleged that the station has one vehicle to serve about four villages, which at times experiences mechanical problems.
Residents say since 2018, the police station in the area is not assisting them with anything when faced with challenges that need their attention.
A concerned resident Douglas Nkosi alleges that at some point the police had to push a police vehicle on their way to attend a scene.
“Police are always available, but they will tell you they don’t have a van. We are worried about the elderly when they have to report crime. The main problem also is that the road is bad and we have tried to speak to the MEC but still to this day nothing,” says Nkosi.
Another resident, Sgonyela Nkosi says his 16-year-old daughter went missing in July this year and the police failed to assist him as they cited shortage of vehicles.
“The police station only gave me problems when it came to looking for my missing child. The police station only has one vehicle. I think if they had more vehicles they would be able to help. My daughter went missing and they told me that they don’t have a car and I think if they had more vehicles she would have been found,” says Sgonyela.
The station had four vehicles. They broke down due to lack of maintenance.
Police say they are aware of the challenges faced by the community.
Police Spokesperson Selvy Mohlala says, “They asked the K-9 unit to assist with a van and that vehicle was taken (in) for repairs. We have donated 37 vehicles to needy station to help. And stations fail to report vehicles on time,” says Selvy Mohlala.
The province has a huge backlog of vehicles that needs to be repaired.
