The South African Police Service (SAPS) on Tuesday moved to strengthen its service delivery capacity in Villa Nora with the opening of a police station.
The station comprises park homes and provides officers with dedicated premises to serve residents in the Limpopo rural community.
Speaking at the official opening of the Villa Nora police station in the Waterberg Municipal District, Police Deputy Minister, Dr Polly Boshielo, said the new facility represents an important improvement for policing services in the area.
READ | Opening of Limpopo police stations to aid service delivery
She said officers had for many years operated from a residential house that was not designed to meet the needs of a police station.
“While it may not be a permanent brick-and-mortar building, this facility is an important improvement and should help strengthen policing services in Villa Nora. This occasion represents a renewed commitment to the safety and security of our communities, particularly those in rural areas where access to essential services remains critical.”
She said the establishment of the park home facility provides an opportunity to improve policing services for the people of Villa Nora and surrounding communities, adding that the value of the investment would ultimately be determined by the quality of service delivered to residents.
Serving communities
“However, the true value of this investment will not be measured by the improvements alone, but by the quality of service delivered within it. The erection of park homes further emphasises the South African Police Service’s commitment in investing in the livelihood, safety, wellbeing and protection of not only the communities,” she said.
The Deputy Minister emphasised that a police station must provide a safe and supportive environment where members of the public can report crime and seek assistance with confidence.
Police officers serving at the facility have been urged to uphold integrity, discipline and accountability, ensuring that complaints are taken seriously, investigations are conducted diligently, and all members of the public are treated with dignity and respect.
“The call to serve and protect is not only in uniform but in work standards too; all calls to serve will be answered faithfully and thoroughly,” Boshielo said.
She also highlighted the importance of ensuring that the facility is supported by adequate personnel, equipment and operational resources to enable effective crime prevention and investigation.
Boshielo urged all stakeholders to ensure that the public asset is properly maintained so that the investment delivers lasting benefits to the community.
“The fight against crime requires a strong partnership between the police and its community,” she said.
She encouraged residents to work closely with the SAPS, participate in Community Policing Forums, report criminal activities and support initiatives aimed at creating safer neighbourhoods. Additionally, police must remain visible, responsive and accountable to the communities they serve.
Combatting GBVF
The Deputy Minister further called for intensified efforts to combat Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF), stressing that women and children have the right to live free from violence, abuse and intimidation.
She said cases involving domestic violence, sexual offences and child abuse must be handled with urgency, sensitivity and professionalism, while victims must receive appropriate support and have their dignity protected.
Improving service delivery
Boshielo urged police officers to use the improved facility as an opportunity to renew their commitment to public service, reject corruption and uphold the Constitution and the SAPS Code of Conduct.
She also appealed to the Villa Nora community to take pride in the facility and protect it against vandalism, while building a relationship of cooperation and mutual trust with the police.
Boshielo extended his appreciation to SAPS, relevant government departments, project teams, contractors and other stakeholders who contributed to the refurbishment of the station.
She said the opening marked progress in strengthening policing services, but noted that the real measure of success would be safer communities, improved service delivery and greater public confidence in the police.
“As the Ministry of Police, we remain committed to strengthening policing capacity and ensuring that all communities, including those in rural areas, receive the professional and effective services they deserve,” she said.
She expressed hope that Villa Nora Police Station would serve as a symbol of service, justice and the collective commitment to protecting South Africans.
“Together, let us build a country in which all people are not only safe, but feel safe,” the Deputy Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za
Source: Original report at SAnews.gov.za.
