| 2024/04/23 |
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Donnybrook, KwaZulu-Natal
Harry Gwala District Mayor, Councillor Zamo Nxumalo Ladies and Gentlemen The opening of this police station is an indication that the South African Police Service (SAPS), as part of Government, is dedicated to making our services accessible to all communities. We are committed to ensuring that each police station is situated in a geographical spot which can be easily located by all in the vicinity, not just a select few. But let us remember that this police station, as impressive as it is, is just a building, a shell. If we ask ourselves, “what makes this shell so valuable to the community?” the answer is “the men and women who put on the blue uniform and risk their lives to serve and protect”. To the Station Commander and all members serving here, I want to remind you that – in this area – you carry the image and reputation of the entire organisation on your shoulders. Your words and actions, at all times, are a reflection on your colleagues, your Provincial Commissioner, the National Commissioner, Deputy Minister of Police and the Minister of Police. Your placement here at Donnybrook is an indication that we entrust the safety of this community to you. It is also an indication that we trust you to serve all who live and visit here responsibly, efficiently and with integrity, and that you will treat all people courteously, honestly and respectfully. As you know, in this Station must know that in joining the SAPS, you have accepted the responsibility to serve the citizens of our beloved country. We expect you to remain dedicated to safeguarding the residents of South Africa, upholding the rule of law and executing the tasks mandated by Section 205 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa. As you go about your duties, you must at all times remember that you also have a responsibility to safeguard yourselves and your colleagues. We have already this year lost too many of our beloved men and women in blue, who were gunned down while performing their duties the duties that you also perform. So do ensure that you are always operationally ready to respond to the call of duty. We as management, will ensure you have adequate resources that are in a good working condition. We will also ensure that we employ more police officers on the ground to assist you to prevent and combat crime. We are pleased that yesterday, the first 4500 recruits for the 2024/2025 year reported for duty at the academies. Im also encouraged that in the last two years, we recruited and trained 20 000 police officers that are already serving at our 1164 stations and various units such as the Public order police unit. I have been told that there is a growing relationship between the police and the community in this area, and that is to be commended. We cannot fight crime and criminals on our own. We need a sound partnership with the community, business, Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO’s), religious and traditional leaders in order to perform our duties optimally. The efficient functioning of the Community Policing Forum is vital to ensure that information is shared, that the community has a right to contribute to policing decisions and that the police who after all come from this very community do not feel isolated. I am confident that together we can overcome problems and rid this area of the criminal element that break into and steal from local homes, businesses and vehicles. In conclusion, the official opening of this police station is a new beginning and I am looking forward to my next visit, when I am sure I will hear many good things about this station and the members. I thank you.
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