Dr Rishigen Viranna, MPL
DA KZN Spokesperson on Community Safety and Liaison
The Democratic Alliance in KZN welcomes the long overdue news that action will be taken at SAPS Mid-Illovo police station in an effort to sort out the problems raised by the DA.
This after an oversight visit in July revealed non-functional vehicles for patrols and detectives, toilets facilities infested with bees, shocking infrastructure with no maintenance and dungeon-like holding cells that could no longer be used.
I subsequently wrote to KZN Community Safety and Liaison MEC, Willies Mchunu, requesting urgent intervention. I recently received confirmation from the Department’s Acting HOD that the issues would be addressed.
According to the letter, the department conducted a station evaluation towards the end of July. The outcome was;
– An additional vehicle would be allocated to the station, specifically for investigating officers – this was seen as a short-term solution
– Recommendations were made with regard to the improvement of the buildings which includes old rented buildings, office space for investigating officers and holding cells. This was flagged as a challenge needing long term intervention by the department.
– The bee problem was eradicated through fumigation
The department’s response to my concerns is a welcome step.
SAPS Mid-Illovo is an outlying police station serving a large community. The DA regards rural safety as a priority – our farmers and rural communities have to be kept safe. Agriculture is a vital part of the KZN economy and only safe rural communities will result in rural development and job creation.
The DA will monitor improvements to Mid-Illovo SAPS closely as part of our oversight responsibility to the people of KZN.
