The Democratic Alliance (DA) conducted an oversight visit at the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Greytown, where the state of the infrastructure was found to be in a shocking and unacceptable condition.
The bathrooms, holding cells, and general infrastructure are in a severe state of disrepair, with leaking roofs further compounding the poor state of the facility. This undermines the dignity of both officers and members of the public who rely on this police station. This is of deep concern, given that the Greytown SAPS is the only police station serving the community of Greytown and surrounding areas.
The oversight also revealed that the station’s fixed establishment stands at 69, yet it faces a critical shortage of personnel required to ensure effective visible policing. This shortage places an enormous strain on the ability of SAPS to adequately protect and serve the community.
The oversight was led by Mlondi Mveli Mdluli MP, the DA’s Constituency Head for uMzinyathi District. Following the visit, the DA in uMzinyathi has compiled a detailed oversight report, which will be formally handed over to the DA’s spokesperson on police, Lisa-Maré Schickerling MP, for further action and escalation at the national level.
The DA will continue to fight for a professional, well-resourced police service that is fit for purpose and capable of ensuring the safety and security of all South Africans.