Marti Will
The roadworthiness and availability of police vehicles in general in the Goldfields, but more so in remote areas like Odendaalsrus, Allanridge, Nyakallong and Bultfontein, is cause for great concern and is hampering police procedures, investigations, and even court procedures.
Public complaints are mounting that there are not enough police vehicles and police vehicles are not road worthy, licence discs in some instances have expired, the tyre treads have worn through, the wheel bearings and wheel alignment on the vehicles are not up to standard, and the brakes on many of the vehicles do not work.
One police officer described this situation as akin to driving in a deathtrap.
Often when police officials have to transport prisoners to court, there are no available vehicles, or when they need to go to a crime scene or take witness statements, they are stranded, and the victims themselves must find their way to the police station.
Vista is aware of an incident that happened on Monday, 7 April, when a young woman and her six-year-old son were the victims of a robbery. The distraught woman was informed that there were no vehicles available and that she might have to wait up to three hours for assistance.
She was told to go the police station to lay a charge.
Sgt Palesa Thabana, spokesperson for the Lejweleputswa police, confirmed that a case of Burglary Residential was opened and registered at the Welkom Police Station after the complainant reported at the police station.
“The police would like to bring it to the attention of the public that there are a limited number of allocated police vehicles at every station area. These are dedicated to serving every member of the public.
“A vehicle is dispatched to a complaint as soon as it is available to attend to the next complaint. The police remains committed to ensuring that every complaint receives adequate attention as soon as reasonably possible,” she says.
In response to an extensive media enquiry concerning the vehicle situation, Capt. Loraine Earle, spokesperson for the police in the Free State, answered that the police acknowledges the concerns raised regarding the availability and condition of police vehicles.
The maintenance of vehicles
Ensuring that operational vehicles are in a roadworthy condition and readily available for policing duties remains a priority for police, she says:
“The police vehicles are maintained and serviced according to the prescribed government procurement and maintenance processes.
The replacement of tyres, wheel alignment, brake servicing, and general vehicle maintenance are conducted through an official government database of approved service providers.
“This process is essential to ensure compliance with regulations and budgetary allocations,” says Earle.
Addressing vehicle shortages, Earle says the police operate on a rotational fleet management system to maximize the availability of vehicles.
However, challenges such as scheduled maintenance, repairs, and unforeseen mechanical issues may occasionally impact the number of vehicles available for operational duties.
“Efforts are underway to address these issues and expedite vehicle repairs and servicing.”
Vista also enquired about transport for victims for court appearances, or for medical checkups and processing.
“The police understands the importance of transporting victims, particularly those in vulnerable situations, as well as accused persons required to attend court.
“Where operational challenges arise, alternative arrangements are explored to ensure that victims receive the necessary assistance and that cases proceed without unnecessary delays.
“The police are actively engaging with relevant stakeholders, including fleet management services, to improve the turnaround time for vehicle repairs and ensure that operational policing is not compromised.
“Additionally, measures are being taken to ensure that all police vehicles comply with roadworthy standards to safeguard the safety of both officers and the public,” says Earle.
She says the police force remains committed to delivering effective policing services and appreciates the concerns raised by the public.
Armand Cloete, FF Plus MP: Free State, says as many as 449 police vehicles in the Free State are out of use.
This figure was revealed in a response by Jabu Mbalula, Free State MEC for community safety, roads and transport.
Cloete says the vehicles are currently unusable due to, among other things, repairs and inspections.
He says the FF Plus will insist in the relevant portfolio committee in the legislature that the department explain why so many vehicles are out of use and how the situation will be resolved.
The party will also request Senzo Mchunu, minister of police, to investigate the matter.
“The Free State cannot afford for even one police vehicle or one police officer not to function effectively,” said Cloete.
