Some regions of the province have a sparse number of vehicles policing the area. Provincial Police Commissioner, Lt. Gen. Koliswa Otola, says due to the service provider being in Johannesburg securing parts to repair SAPS vehicles proves to be a tedious process.

She adds the waiting period for parts makes it difficult for under-resourced stations to function. Some stations operate with far less vehicles than they are supposed to.

During a meeting with the Democratic Alliance (DA), Otola revealed nine vehicles are currently functional at Roodepan while 20 are awaiting repairs and maintenance. Kimberly has 23 vehicles still awaiting repairs.

According to DA Member of Parliament (MPL), Ofentse Mokae, a letter requesting the decentralisation of service providers for the repair of police vehicles has been sent to the National Commissioner of the SAPS, Gen. Fannie Masemola.

OFM previously reported crime is perpetuated in the Northern Cape as there aren’t enough visible police units. The crime statistics for Quarter 3 of 2022/23 has seen a significant increase in rape cases, increasing 30.9%.

Also Read: SAPS losing battle against crime in Northern Cape – DA

“Most police stations do not have enough vehicles for patrolling, responding to emergencies or for catching criminals. This was recently the case in Kamieskroon, where there was not a single police vehicle operational because they were all in for repairs.”

Otola expressed her frustration, noting that the main point of concern is rural and remote areas - where some vehicles are either standing on bricks at the station or have been in the SAPS garage waiting for repairs.

OFM News has sent an inquiry to the National Commissioner of the SAPS and is yet to receive a response.

OFM News/Bambatha Giko