Dissatisfaction with service delivery and the satellite police station in Phomolong, Hennenman, incited protests in this township on 11 April.
“The community, understandably, needs a police presence to ensure a safer neighbourhood – and the closest police station to Phomolong is in Hennenman, some 10 km away,” says Maxie Badenhorst, councillor for ward 3, Matjhabeng.
Badenhorst says the satellite station building belongs to the municipality and is rented by the Department of Public Works on behalf of the police.
“This structure is falling apart,” she says.
On Saturday (15/04), Badenhorst and George Michalakis, DA Member of Parliament (MP), performed an oversight visit and found countless faults and failures adversely affecting the community.
Only one toilet is functional.
“The toilet door cannot lock, and it is used by both men and women.”
They found that rats have eaten the pipes below the kitchen sink, that there is no? landline or radio, and some of the outside lights are faulty.
“Dedicated police officers deserve to work in a dignified environment. We will take this up with the municipality, Public Works and the police, and fight for a better facility in the interest of the community and the officers serving them,” says Badenhorst.
Michalakis says that after the visit, he took up the matter with the Department of Public Works.
