The Nqweba Police Station, formerly known as Kirkwood, in the Eastern Cape’s Sundays River Valley, is currently operating with only one functional police vehicle for routine crime prevention. This critical shortage has severely hampered the station’s ability to respond to emergencies and maintain law and order across a vast policing precinct that includes the main town, Moses Mabhida, Bersheba, Bonterug, and surrounding agricultural settlements.
Operational Impact And Resource Constraints
According to DA councillor Karen Smith, the station requires seven operational vehicles to effectively service the region, yet the current fleet is largely incapacitated. Councillor Smith stated that four vehicles have been boarded or are broken down, while another two are undergoing repairs, leaving only a single unit available for active duty.
“Basically they have one van operating for crime prevention. They should have seven vehicles but two have been in repairs for some time now and four have been boarded or broken down,” said Smith.
Police Response And Regional Mitigation
Eastern Cape police spokesperson, Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana, acknowledged the severe transport limitations facing the station. Brigadier Gantana indicated that provincial authorities are currently implementing a contingency plan to ensure continued service delivery in the valley.
“While the station is awaiting the allocation of new vehicles, neighbouring stations, including district vehicles, are being utilised to augment the few that are operating in that policing precinct,” said Brigadier Gantana.
The situation remains a significant concern for residents, particularly as the local population increases significantly during the intensive citrus harvest season. Authorities are expected to provide updates on the procurement of additional vehicles as the SAPS addresses the ongoing maintenance and retirement of their current fleet.