The Various committees of the of Mpumalanga Legislature.
Various committees of the Legislature are conducting oversight visits across the Chief Albert Luthuli Municipality (CALM). These visits are part of the “Pre-Taking the Legislature to the People” (TLP) programme on February 26 to 27.
This initiative serves as preparation for the week-long TLP event scheduled for March 23–27, which will be based at the Sun City Sports Field.
On Thursday, February 26, the Portfolio Committee on Community Safety, Security and Liaison visited the Badplaas Police Station.
During the session, the Station Commander, Warrant Officer Mochitele, presented the station’s profile and highlighted critical operational challenges:
• Vehicle Crisis: There is a gross shortage of functional vehicles. Existing patrol cars have accumulated upwards of 600,000 kilometers, and the entire fleet is currently grounded for repairs.
• Dilapidated Infrastructure: Constable Mpila (POPCRU) noted that the cells and the main building are no longer conducive to professional work due to their age and size.
• Space Constraints: Sgt NC Sambo (SAPU) echoed these concerns, stating that limited workspace severely hinders police efficiency.
• Relocation Request: Organized labor has formally requested that the station be relocated to a larger, more suitable facility.
Despite these challenges, Dube, Chairperson of the Community Policing Forum (CPF), confirmed that the CPF remains active and continues to represent the community effectively.
In response to the urgent transport crisis, the Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison (DCSSL) and SAPS leadership committed to the following: One vehicle will be delivered to the station by February 27 morning.
A second vehicle will be transferred from the Carolina Police Station before the close of business on Friday, February 27.
The Committee expressed significant dissatisfaction following an in-loco inspection.
While they appreciated the Station Commander’s transparency, members raised the following serious concerns:
The Committee noted with concern that the Office of the Mpumalanga Provincial Commissioner was absent, despite several issues requiring provincial-level intervention.
Critical issues such as long-term vehicle repairs and vacant posts remain unresolved.
The Committee advised the DCSSL to engage local mines and private sector partners for potential donations of vehicles or infrastructure.
This is particularly urgent as there are currently no plans to build a new station; the department has only budgeted for renovations in the 2027/2028 financial year.
The Committee indicated an urgent need to meet with the Provincial Commissioner to address the systemic failures facing Badplaas and other stations across the province.
