COP SHOP LOCK-UP

Complaints against the Maitland SAPS station, including locked station gates at night, a lack of available vans and poor service delivery, have been escalated to Provincial Police Commissioner Thembisile Patekile.

Gatvol residents say they have lost faith in management at the police station and are advocating for the return of former high-ranking police officers.

In one case, they said knife and sjambok wielding robbers threatened a residence and security guards had to jump into action due to a shortage of SAPS vans and staff.

A resident who asked not to be identified explained: “Our security inspector came from the control room and personally went to Maitland SAPS to report the incident (attempted robbery) and request a van to be sent. 

“He spoke to the officer through the security gate because Maitland SAPS 'lock up shop' at night. He was told that they don't have a van.”

Faiek Fredericks, Maitland Ratepayers and Residents Association chairperson, said the police station lacked resources and staffing was dire.

Johan van Rensburg, Maitland Community Policing Forum (CPF) chairperson, said they were aware of the lack of staffing issues, but deny that the cop shop is locked up at night.

He said: “Maitland CPF does regular joint patrols in partnership with the registered neighborhood watch and part and this is visiting the station at night. 

“We have not encountered a situation where the station was locked, but implore members of the public to inform should they encounter this situation for us to take it up with the station commander.”