Gauteng officials concerned about unsafe Olievenhoutbosch police station conditions

The Gauteng legislature Portfolio Committee on Community Safety has raised concerns about the unsafe conditions at the Olievenhoutbosch police station.

The committee made an unexpected visit to the station on Sunday to assess its conditions.

During its inspection, the committee found that the station has no operational holding cells, forcing suspects, including those charged with violent crimes, to be kept at the front desk, alongside victims and community members.

The committee also noted issues such as weak infrastructure, overcrowding, insufficient lighting, and severe resource shortages.

Chairperson Bandile Masuku emphasised the urgent need for action to address these risks.

"The committee has taken serious note of all these concerns and will urgently engage the relevant authorities and make the necessary interventions to ensure that SAPS [South African Police Service] members deployed to serve the community of Olievenhoutbosch are provided with safe, adequate and dignified working conditions that are conducive to effective crime prevention and community safety.”