BIG PROBLEMS IN KLEINVLEI

THE Kleinvlei police station is in the news again after an oversight visit highlighted a worrying shortage of crime fighting resources.

The cop shop made headlines just over a month ago after brazen gangsters opened fire at the station.

At the time, crime fighters said it was a suspected revenge attack from gangs after some of their manskappe had been busted.

But last Friday, Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police Ian Cameron paid a surprise visit to the precinct headquarters and found more probleme than just bullet holes in the walls.

Cameron reports: “Upon arrival, we were met with bullet holes in the walls of the Community Service Centre (CSC), from a recent attack said to have been attempted revenge or a warning of some kind.

“Close to 50 percent of vehicles are currently not operational.

“Once again we will follow up on this with the relevant reporting. The Western Cape, like several other provinces, is plagued by poor fleet management on a provincial level and communities are left more vulnerable.

“Units like the Anti-Gang Unit sometimes cannot deploy because members don’t have vehicles to use. They literally sit at the base and wait.”

He added that there are problematic space shortages that need to be addressed accordingly, however, he thanked officials for their work.

Cameron stated: “Often, due to poor leadership and/or other challenges, members on the ground are left extremely vulnerable but continue to show up every day.”

Cameron added that a full report of more issues will be submitted in the week.

Police spokesperson Colonel Andrè Traut confirmed that repairs were being done to the station.

He said: “Kindly be advised that your enquiry has been received and referred to our Supply Chain Management.”