The Democratic Alliance in the Free State's spokesperson on police matters, Leona Kleynhans, says after a visit four months ago to the town's police office, she brought the state of affairs to the attention of the provincial police commissioner, and then to the Minister of Police, Bheki Cele.

"In October, when I visited the Harrismith Police Station, I was horrified to discover the huge manpower shortages that had led to the closing of the satellite stations at Tshiame and Intabazwe," says Kleynhans. 

She raised these challenges with the provincial police commissioner, Maj.Gen. Baile Motsoenyane and afterwards with the Minister of Police.

"I was given the assurance the matter was being dealt with and new recruits would be sent to Harrismith," she says. 

On Thursday, she visited the station to meet the new station commander, Col. Tyu, who said the station had received eight recruits in training but it was not certain they would be permanently deployed to the station.

"The Intabazwe and Tshiame satellite stations would remain closed as deploying skeleton staff would be dangerous and reckless. Captain Marius Swart, who had been managing the four CPF (Community Policing Forum) sectors for many years, sadly passed away in December and has not yet been replaced. The one reservist assisting the SAPS has been removed. There are currently no reservists operating at the station. No additional detectives have been appointed. To compound matters, there is still no proper working generator able to supply electricity to the station.

"I am deeply disappointed to find there is no tangible improvement at the Harrismith Police Station. Although Col. Tyu is optimistic she can manage the challenges, she needs a properly resourced police station to succeed," says Kleynhans. 

OFM News