The Odendaalsrus Police Station has been temporarily closed after a visit by the Department of Labour, which observed first-hand the appalling conditions there.
This announcement was made on Tuesday (28/06).
Also on Tuesday, during an oversight visit by Dr Igor Scheurkogel, the DA in Matjhabeng’s caucus leader, he established that the police station is a health and safety hazard for the public, as well as the police officers working there.
During his inspection Scheurkogel also observed the appalling conditions under which the staff have been compelled to work and serve the public since 2020.
Upgrading, conversion and construction of the new facilities started in 2018, but came to a standstill in 2020.
Scheurkogel’s visit was prompted by complaints received from the public and also Odendaalsrus police officials.
Capt. Stephen Thakeng, spokesperson for the Lejweleputswa SAPS, has confirmed that the temporary closure is as a result of the incomplete renovation work which allowed the condition of the building to deteriorate.
He says the work was outsourced by the Department of Public Works to a contractor, which is beyond the control of the South African Police Service.
“The Community Service Centre (CSC) will operate from the satellite station in Kutloanong. The SAPS management would like to assure the community that police services will continue without any disruption,” says Thakeng.
During his visit Scheurkogel found that police officials were forced to work in a half built and unsafe police station.
“These conditions deterred them from properly serving the community,” he says.
There is no perimeter fence, nor are there any perimeter lights, which makes it unsafe. Over the past few months there have been several burglaries and the theft of copper pipes, batteries and parts from the police vehicles, which in effect left the police officials stranded and they could not respond to policing matters, says Scheurkogel.
The DA in Matjhabeng will write to the Free State Department of Public Works to request that urgent attention is to be given to the completion of this building.
“Public Works must ensure the safety of the police officers and the public. This situation does not only directly affect the immediate community of Odendaalsrus and Kutloanong, but Matjhabeng as a whole,” says Scheurkogel.
