A mobile satellite police station is expected to be up and running in Zwelihle within the next three months.
This comes just over four years after the satellite police station in Lusiba Street was set alight during violent protests that rocked the community in 2018. Several other buildings, including the library and recycling depot, were also set alight.
Overstrand Executive Mayor Dr Annelie Rabie revealed last week the mobile facility is expected to be operational within the next three months.
This good news, she said, emanated from a meeting held in Hermanus on 8 June between a delegation of the Overstrand Municipality led by Deputy Mayor Lindile Ntsabo and a delegation of the Western Cape Provincial Police Commissioner’s office, led by Brigadier Donovan Heilbron, Overberg Police Cluster commander.
Brigadier Heilbron said although the exact location of the mobile service contact point has not yet been confirmed recent developments are the first step in making the police service more accessible to the community of Zwelihle.
Plans to establish a police mobile service contact point in the neighbourhood started in earnest after a gender-based violence conference was held in Zwelihle in February following the murder of Sisipho Mayile. Her body was discovered in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley days after she was reported missing.
The lack of satellite police station was one of the main concerns raised by residents of Zwelihle attending the conference. The distance to Hermanus Police Station and the cost of public transport to reach it were also highlighted.
“After the conference we met with the Saps Provincial Supply Chain Management office,” Heilbron said. “We also liaised with the Overstrand Municipality to discuss the possibility of rebuilding the satellite station at the premises in Lusiba Street, as this site and building belonged to the municipality.
“The Deputy Mayor, Lindile Ntsabo, said he would also investigate alternative sites and come back to us on this.
“We were informed that the matter will be discussed at the next council meeting.
“This is a step in the right direction as people need our service and the service needs to be accessible to the community.”
A number of logistical arrangements need to be finalised, including ablution facilities, electricity and water supply. “As soon as this is done, the location of the facility will be communicated,” Rabie stated.
The mobile service point, said the brigadier, as well as the necessary furniture will be supplied by the Provincial Police head office.
“The personnel allocated to the Zwelihle satellite police station were moved to Hermanus Police Station after the fire but will be deployed to the mobile service contact point when it opens,” Heilbron said.