KwaThema Earmarked for New Police Station
Residents of KwaThema may finally see long-awaited relief as the Ekurhuleni Council moves forward with plans to construct a new police station in the township.
The council adopted a motion on Thursday (January 30), proposed by the ANC Caucus, to expedite the donation of municipal land to the South African Police Service (SAPS), allowing for the swift development of a fully operational police station.
For over 14 years, the people of Kwa Thema have been forced to rely on a police facility that has been deemed unfit for human habitation by the South African Human Rights Commission. Decaying infrastructure, overcrowded offices, and a shortage of resources have hampered law enforcement efforts, leaving the community vulnerable to rising crime levels.
The ANC Caucus, which championed the motion, stressed the urgency of this project. “This is not just about a building; it’s about the safety and dignity of our people. Crime is escalating due to high unemployment and deteriorating social conditions, and our residents deserve proper policing,” said Alderman Pelisa Nkunjana, ANC Caucus Whip.
The situation at the existing police station is dire. During a recent oversight visit, it was revealed that 18 detectives are forced to work from a single office. The charge office and administration offices have broken windows, and the holding cells have been shut down. Shockingly, the station has only one functioning vehicle to serve a community of over 100,000 people.
This lack of resources has left the police struggling to respond to crime. Many cases go unattended, and residents often feel that they have nowhere to turn for justice. “We have been living in fear. Criminals know there is little chance of them being caught, and that makes us even more vulnerable,” said local shop owner Sipho Dlamini.
ActionSA, another political party in the council, has also welcomed the decision to release the land, emphasizing that the new police station is critical to restoring law enforcement capacity in Kwa Thema. “The current state of policing in our community is unacceptable. This initiative is not just about crime prevention but about restoring faith in law enforcement,” said ActionSA Member of Parliament Dereleen James.
Residents have long been vocal about their safety concerns, with many calling for government intervention to improve policing. Community leader Thandi Maseko believes the new station will bring much-needed change. “We have been waiting for this moment for years. A well-equipped police station means better protection for our children, businesses, and homes. We just need action, not more promises.”
While the adoption of this motion is a significant step forward, the community remains cautiously optimistic. There is still a long road ahead in terms of securing the necessary funding, finalizing land transfers, and commencing construction. However, the council’s decision has renewed hope for many who have felt abandoned for years.
As the process unfolds, residents and local leaders will be watching closely, eager to see real progress in the fight for a safer Kwa Thema. With crime at an all-time high and law enforcement stretched thin, the promise of a new police station is more than just a development project—it’s a lifeline for the community.