The South African Police Service (SAPS) should rename their provincial headquarters and explore relocation of critical components in phases to Mahikeng, the provincial seat of government, North West MEC for Human Settlements. Public Safety & Liaison, Desbo Mohono told SAPS Provincial Management in Mahikeng earlier this week.
MEC Mohono informed Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Zukiswa Mbombo and her top brass during the Peace Justice Crime Prevention Safety Cluster briefing that the name Wespol (Western Transvaal Police) is no longer relevant as the Transvaal ceased to exist 17 years ago.
Mohono urged police management to start engaging in the necessary consultation processes with relevant authorities and stakeholders regarding the phased in relocation process as it is unacceptable for police headquarters to be 200 kilometres from the provincial legislature and seat of government.
The relocation of the provincial police headquarters has allegedly been stalled by the old guard with the SAPS since 1995 and one reason given for retaining the status quo was that the police headquarters has been situated in Potchefstroom since 1913.
Other objections supposedly raised earlier were that children of staff members would have to move to new schools and homeowners would not be able to sell their houses.
Enquiries:
Lesiba Moses Kgwele
Tel: 018 391 0420
Fax: 018 381 0328
Cell: 083 629 1987
E-mail: Lkgwele@nwpg.gov.za
NW MEC Mohono calls for renaming and relocation of Provincial Police headquarters
Province
