Concerns grow over R50 million police fleet shortfall in Northern Cape

THE DEMOCRATIC Alliance (DA) in the Northern Cape has raised fresh concerns over the “dire state” of policing in the province, as the South African Police Service (SAPS) faces a R50 million shortfall in its vehicle fleet budget. This alarming deficit is further aggravating an already struggling law enforcement system, which has been unable to keep up with rising crime levels.

According to the Quarter 3:2024 Crime Statistics recently released by Minister of Police Senzo Mchunu, the number of Northern Cape police stations appearing on the country's top 30 list for attempted murder, sexual assault, and other serious crimes has increased from two to over five in the last three quarters.

In addition, the province has recorded a significant spike in common assault and assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm (GBH), with an increase of 126 cases in just three months. The province also remains the third worst in the country for rape cases relative to population size, with four reported rapes occurring at educational institutions.

The lack of police resources, particularly operational vehicles, has left many communities vulnerable, with response times suffering as a result. Former minister of police Bheki Cele previously acknowledged that the Northern Cape had the slowest response time in the country, with officers taking an average of 60 minutes and 10 seconds to attend to incidents.

According to the DA, the provincial police commissioner, Lieutenant-General Koliswa Otola, confirmed in a written response that the Northern Cape requires an additional R50 million to meet the vehicle needs of its police stations. The province also has a shortfall of 157 vehicles, severely affecting rural and remote areas where the need for policing is particularly critical.

Despite these pressing concerns, the DA has accused the provincial portfolio committee on safety, transport, and public works of failing to take decisive action. The party has called for urgent oversight visits to high-crime stations and demanded accountability for the poor response times to serious crimes.

In response to enquiries from the DFA, SAPS declined to provide further details on its plans to address the policing shortfall. In a statement issued by Brigadier Mashay Gamieldien, the Office of the Provincial Commissioner stated: "The provincial commissioner will respectfully not comment on or respond to internal matters pertaining to SAPS plans or activities in the media."

This response has left questions regarding the province's strategy to address resource shortages and rising crime levels. With concerns about police response times and operational capacity growing, communities in the Northern Cape remain in need of clear and effective solutions to enhance public safety.

The DA has meanwhile vowed to continue pushing for the necessary resources to be allocated to SAPS in the Northern Cape, emphasising that failure to address these shortages will only lead to further deterioration in safety and security for communities across the province.