A key point of concern is the Kagisanong police station, which has been operating for years without proper offices, detention facilities, or an adequate fleet of vehicles. Despite promises of improvement, the timeline for delivering a new facility remains uncertain.

In a written parliamentary response, acting minister of police Firoz Cachalia stated the project for a new Kagisanong police station was registered with the national department of public works and infrastructure (NDPWI) as far back as May 2006. However, the date for the provisioning of a new facility at Kagisanong police station cannot be confirmed by the police.

He said while site clearance has been finalised, the project remains in the planning and design phase, which includes the construction of detention facilities. In the interim, Kagisanong relies on holding cells at the Mangaung and Bainsvlei police stations.

“Furthermore, the police station is a non-devolved facility and thus, all remedial works and refurbishments are the responsibility of the NDPWI. At this stage, there is no project registered to address the maintenance issues at the station.” 

This response came after Paulnita Marais, EFF MP, posed a series of critical questions to Cachalia, highlighting the Kagisanong station is severely under-resourced and its staff are demoralised while attempting to serve a large and growing community.

Regarding the availability of vehicles, Cachalia said the police do not disclose the actual number of deployed resources, as this may reveal vulnerabilities that may place personnel at risk. He confirmed the station is operating at 87.5% of its granted vehicle allocation, with 18% of those vehicles currently out of service for repairs and maintenance.

Marais also raised concerns about conditions at the historic Batho police station, where the situation is no less concerning. The building is over 100 years old and described as toxic and unsafe for occupation. Staff illnesses reportedly linked to the facility’s condition further underscore the urgent need for relocation.

The date for relocation of the officials from Batho police station to an alternative facility cannot be confirmed at this stage. Although the re-establishment of a new station was registered with NDPWI in 2016, it is still stuck at the site clearance phase.

“Currently, there is no project registered for repairs and renovation.” 

Meanwhile, the Sonskyn police station, a new police station located in Phase 5 of the Mangaung Metro, was officially opened on Tuesday (7/10). Attended by Cachalia, Free State premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae, provincial commissioner Lt. Gen. Baile Motswenyane, and national commissioner Gen. Fannie Masemola, the new station, becomes the 112th police facility in the province.

The dignitaries at the opening lauded the development as a sign of the government’s dedication to tackling crime and restoring public trust in law enforcement.

OFM News previously reported of the 111 holding cells across Free State police stations, only 88 were operational as of 2022. At the time, only 19 were found to be in good condition, with eight classified in bad condition.

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OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi dg