The discovery of 10 bodies in Ekurhuleni has put renewed pressure on police to strengthen their response to gender-based violence, with an oversight visit revealing shortages of basic resources at two stations responsible for policing communities at the centre of the crisis.
Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia visited Kempton Park and Tembisa police stations on Friday, accompanied by Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, Deputy Police Minister Cassel Mathale and senior SAPS officials.
The delegation inspected the conditions under which police officers operate and assessed the resources available to respond to crime and support victims of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF).
Among the challenges identified were inadequate operational infrastructure, shortages of furniture and technology equipment, as well as human-resource constraints.
At Kempton Park Police Station, the station commander also raised concerns about the Community Service Centre’s landline, which affects the station’s ability to communicate and respond effectively to members of the public.
The visit comes as Ekurhuleni remains under intense scrutiny following the discovery of the bodies of women in several parts of the metro.
Cachalia inspected the GBV desks and Victim Friendly Rooms at the stations and engaged officials responsible for assisting victims.
The minister pledged that the Ministry would work with SAPS management and other stakeholders to strengthen victim-support services.
The authorities also pointed to the concentration of liquor outlets in the area as a contributing factor to the high incidence of GBVF.
Lesufi committed his administration to addressing the proliferation of liquor outlets as part of efforts to improve community safety and curb alcohol-related violence.
SAPS top management undertook to address the concerns raised by station commanders and follow up on the operational challenges identified during the visit.
The oversight comes amid growing calls for authorities to improve policing, victim support and preventative measures as communities demand answers over the killings of women in Ekurhuleni.
