NO COP IN SIGHT

A SURPRISE visit to Dunoon’s so-called mobile police station has exposed shocking neglect as the satellite station was found unlocked, wide open, and with not a single cop in sight.

The mobile unit, which is meant to serve the mense of Dunoon, was parked in Killarney Gardens, far from the community it’s supposed to protect.

Democratic Alliance (DA) Constituency Head for Atlantis, Blaauwberg and Table View, Nicholas Gotsell, says what they found is a “damning metaphor for the state of policing in the area”.

Gotsell explained: “During an oversight visit to the mobile police station, parked near the clinic, the DA uncovered serious failures that explain why residents feel abandoned and unsafe.

“The so-called ‘Dunoon’ satellite station isn’t even located in Dunoon itself, but in neighbouring Killarney Gardens. It doesn’t appear on GPS systems, making it nearly impossible for residents to find.

“Community complaints were confirmed when we arrived at the site in broad daylight to find the station deserted, with no officers present.”

To make matters worse, Gotsell said the station is wide open to looters or tampering with official documents and equipment. It’s also not wheelchair-friendly, with no handrail access for disabled mense.

During the visit, a formal letter was handed over to Western Cape Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Thembisile Patekile and MEC for Community Safety and Police Oversight Anroux Marais, raising urgent concerns from locals.

The letter highlighted the community’s frustrations: “The mobile station’s unpredictable closure without warning; poor SAPS visibility in Dunoon; and a permanent, well-positioned facility within Dunoon itself.”

Gotsell said this mess showed the need for a permanent police presence, as well as proper CPF structures, neighbourhood watches, a community court, and victim support.

He added: “The DA supports the residents of Dunoon who are sick and tired of living in fear and will continue to exercise its oversight function to ensure a safer community for all who live in Dunoon and its surrounds.

“The residents of Dunoon deserve SAPS members who are present.”

Meanwhile Kurt Nefdt spokesperson for Marais confirmed to the Cape Argus that she is aware of the incident and issues highlighted in the statement released by Gotsell. 

Nefdt said: “She was handed a formal letter addressed to Lieutenant General Patekile. The letter will be forwarded to the Provincial Commissioner (PC) and the issues raised in the letter will form part of discussions between the Minister and PC to improve service delivery to the affected community.”