Police spokesperson, Thandi Mbambo, tells OFM News that the Johnson & Johnson vaccine came as a relief to them to save and protect the lives of men and women in blue. The province is kickstarting its vaccine rollout amidst the third wave of the virus and following the detection of the Delta variant in the province. 

Mbambo says on Thursday those who will be vaccinated are mainly from the Mangaung area and from Monday the rollout will escalate to other districts in the province with 16 sites having been prepared for the programme.

"This vaccination programme will assist us a lot because you will remember that we are a front line service and mostly affected by this pandemic. And, on a daily basis, we saw our SAPS having to close police stations, which affect service delivery, but now with a lot of members (getting ) vaccinated it will minimise the risk of them contracting the virus (and) we also encourage them that, as much as they are going to be vaccinated today, they will still need to adhere to the protocols," she adds.

Meanwhile, the vaccination programme is yet to start following a bit of a delay this morning.

On Wednesday 7 July 2021, the Memel Police Station had to close its doors for operation due to a confirmed case of Covid-19.

Mbambo in a statement said the station will be temporarily closed for decontamination after a Covid-19 case. She said the station will undergo decontamination and affected members will subject themselves to the necessary Covid-19 related protocols.  

"The community is informed that the police station is closed and will be operating from the Memel Detective Service across the road. For any emergency services, Acting Station Commander, Warrant Officer Molai, can be contacted at 082 466 8326

The Provincial Commissioner of the Free State, Lieutenant General Baile Motswenyane, and management wishes to apologise for any inconvenience that may arise due to the closure," she added.

OFM News