Kuruman, Northern Cape – Members of the Public Order Policing (POP) unit in the Northern Cape are working under dire conditions, with no proper office space, forcing them to conduct administrative duties in their vehicles or open spaces, the South African Police Union (SAPU) has revealed.
SAPU Northern Cape has raised serious concerns over the prolonged neglect of POP members stationed in Kuruman, Appleton, Springbok, and Kimberley, where officers have reportedly been working without adequate shelter for years.
No Shelter, No Proper Workspace
A video from Kuruman Police Station shows POP members operating outdoors, with no dedicated office facilities. According to SAPU, officers are left exposed to harsh weather conditions, often scrambling for shelter during rain or extreme heat.
“This has been happening for over two to three years,” a SAPU representative said. “Our members are in despair because management has done little to address this.”
The union highlighted that the lack of infrastructure and resources severely hampers police efficiency, leaving officers to complete paperwork in their cars or under trees.
SAPS Response: “Processes at Advanced Stage”
The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Northern Cape acknowledged the challenges faced by POP members, stating that efforts to resolve the issue are “at an advanced stage.”
“Facility management within SAPS involves internal processes at provincial and national levels,” SAPS said in a statement. “The Kuruman POP unit is currently operating from the Kuruman Police Station, and relevant applications are being processed.”
However, SAPU insists that immediate intervention is needed, accusing police management of lacking urgency in resolving the crisis.
“The unwillingness to act compromises police work,” the union said.
With no clear timeline for improvements, POP members in the Northern Cape continue to work in conditions that SAPU describes as “unacceptable and degrading.”