Overview
- An unannounced visit by Gauteng’s Portfolio Committee on Community Safety found the station has no operational holding cells, resulting in suspects being kept at the public front desk.
- Officials said suspects, including those accused of serious and violent crimes, are often held for extended periods before transfer to neighbouring stations with functional cells.
- The committee warned the practice endangers victims, community members and police personnel and undermines basic policing standards.
- Severe capacity strain was recorded, with 29 detectives sharing a single office and briefings forced to occur outdoors due to a lack of facilities.
- Inadequate lighting forces gates to close after dark, and despite the station’s elevation in 2011, a purpose-built facility has still not been constructed as the committee moves to engage authorities urgently.