olice Oversight and Community Safety
Question by:
Hon Cayla Murray
Answered by:
Hon Reagen Allen
Question Number:
1
Question Body:
- Whether the SAPS in the Western Cape is aware that notice has been given to the Goodwood SAPS to leave the building that it currently occupies by the end of the month, as the building will be subject to an auction on 31 March 2023; if so, what are the relevant details;
- whether any steps, including securing new premises, have been taken by the SAPS in the Western Cape to ensure that the services offered by the Goodwood SAPS are not disrupted after the end of the month; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
- whether the SAPS in the province has engaged with the national Department of Public Works to purchase the property that is well known to the community and has been in use for over 50 years; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Answer Body:
The reply of the South African Police Service (SAPS):
1. (1) Yes; a new 12-month contract, which will expire on 31 Mach 2024, has been signed between the property owner and the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI).
(2) Policing services will continue subsequent to the extension of the lease as mentioned above.
(3) A decision has been taken by the Divisional Commissioner of Supply Chain Management (SCM) not to purchase the property for the following reasons:
- The existing property is an old house which is not conducive for policing;
- The property is too small to serve as a fully-fledged functional police station, as it accommodates only 11 members whilst the majority of the station personnel are accommodated elsewhere.
DPWI in conjunction with the Divisional Commissioner of SCM will commence the process of procuring on alternative leasehold via an open tender, in due course.
Date:
Thursday, April 6, 2023
