Debating the budget tabled by Police, Roads and Transport MEC, Sam Mashinini, the DA’s Leona Kleynhans says it is appalling that the provincial government has taken a back seat while the number of farm attack cases and stock theft cases in the province escalate. 

Kleynhans says it is highly concerning that the police in the province are expected to be “superheroes” while they are not well resourced. She told Members of the Provincial Legislature (MPLs) gathered in Welkom that the number of SAPS vehicles that are standing idle, waiting to be repaired, coupled with many police stations lacking internet connectivity and dysfunctional telephone lines, are all indications of how crime prevention is non-existent in the Free State. Kleynhans has told the House more needs to be done to ensure that safety and security in the province is a priority and that the budget tabled by Mashinni fails to do that, taking into account the level of crime in rural areas.

Kleynhans’ statements follow Mashinini’s much-awaited speech where he committed to addressing concerns regarding the lack of rural safety.

OFM News has reported that during the tabling of his department’s R2.8 billion budget, Mashinini further vowed to address concerns over poor road conditions in the province, stating that many road construction projects are underway and will soon be completed. Many more roads will be refurbished too.

He told the House that there are plans underway to capacitate law enforcers and hire more personnel during the 2021/22 financial year.

OFM News