The Portfolio Committee on Safety and Security, having conducted oversight visits to the North West and the Northern Province from 21 to 24 January 2002, reports as follows:

I. INTRODUCTION

South Africa is in the process of consolidating its democracy. To achieve this, the country needs to provide a safe and secure environment for its citizens. The Committee sees its role as pivotal in this regard. To execute this responsibility from an informed position, the Committee, at times, undertakes provincial as well as international study tours.

Provincially, the Committee visits various police stations. The ultimate purpose of such visits is to ascertain the operations of those police stations and identify problem areas, with a view to recommending necessary remedies. It is in this spirit that a multiparty delegation of the Committee visited the provinces from 21 to 24 January 2002. The provinces visited were North West and Northern Province.

In North West, the Committee visited Potchefstroom, Ikageng and Klerksdorp police stations. In the Northern Province, the Committee visited Messina, Thohoyandou and Mutale police stations. In both provinces, the delegation tackled the following topics: Plans of action; community policing forums; the crime situation and crime-combating strategies; women and child abuse; number of vehicles; infrastructure; corruption in the SAPS; the conviction rate; escapes from police cells; and the distribution of police personnel.

II. DELEGATION

Mr M E George (ANC) (Leader of the delegation)
Mr M S Booi (ANC)
Mr O J Kgauwe (ANC)
Mr A M Maziya (ANC)
Mr A J Botha (DP)
Mr E T Ferreira (IFP)
Ms A van Wyk (UDM)
Rev K R J Meshoe (ACDP)
Mr N Lala (Committee Secretary)

III. NORTH WEST

A. Provincial picture

The delegation had fruitful discussions with the SAPS provincial management at Potchefstroom, who gave a brief overview on the state of the province. The delegation was told that North West is divided into three areas, namely Mooi River, Marico and Molopo. (All the police stations visited, however - Potchefstroom, Ikageng and Klerksdorp - fell within the Mooi River Area.)

1. Plan of action for Province

The SAPS Provincial Management Team reported about their participation in the national co-coordinated "Operation Tshipa", whose vision is to crack down on crime in an organised approach.

2. Crime situation

The period of comparison here are the months of October and November 2000 and 2001. Also included is the information for the first three quarters of these two years.

The SAPS reported that there are three categories of crime:

* Policeable crimes like armed robbery, common robbery, housebreaking, etc.

* Less policeable crimes like rape, shoplifting, etc.

* Crimes that are heavily dependent on police action for detection, for example, illegal possession of firearms.

The first three quarters of 2001 depicted a decrease in the more policeable crimes. However, the police reported that during October and November 2001, housebreaking, vehicle theft and theft out of or from vehicles showed a slight increase. In total, there is still a decrease of -2% in cases of more policeable crimes. ?

Regarding less policeable crimes like rape and shoplifting, the delegation heard that there has been no improvement. Rape, for instance, was reported to be on the increase by 7% for the two-month period, while shoplifting stayed at 16% (unchanged in the same period).

Driving under the influence of liquor, as well as illegal possession of firearms, showed a decrease. The delegation was reminded, however, that this is only a two-month period; therefore, this picture could change if statistics for December could be added. In the province at large, the delegation was told that there is a 2% decrease in the crime situation, and the police view this as significant.

After the discussions with the provincial management, the delegation visited police cells.

Level of Crime by Area

(a) Marico Area

(i) More policeable crimes

Records show an increase in the reporting of common robbery and housebreaking, but it remains a cause for concern, as it is still at an unacceptable level.

(ii) Less policeable crimes

Murder, rape and shoplifting are reported to have increased.

(iii) All crimes dependent on police action

The SAPS has reported a decrease in these crimes.

In total, the delegation was told that there is a decrease of 4% in crime in the Marico Area.

(b) Mooi River Area

Armed robbery and common robbery are still on the increase. Stock theft, and theft out of or from motor vehicles, also depicted an increase, while vehicle theft dropped by 5%.

In the less policeable category, murder, theft and fraud decreased, while rape, assault and shoplifting increased. There is a registered decrease in the possession of firearms.

In total, the Mooi River Area shows a 2% increase in crime.

(c) Molopo Area

This area only shows an increase in housebreaking, rape and shoplifting. However, the delegation was told that in total, this area registers a decrease of -11% in respect of crime.

3. Number of vehicles in Province

The total vehicle strength is 2 517. Of this number, 1 866 are serviceable vehicles on record, 304 are in the garage for repairs and 10 are boarded.

(a) Vehicles by Area

(i) Mooi River Area - total vehicle strength is 803. Of this number, 616 are serviceable on record, 68 are in the garage and three are boarded.

(ii) Marico Area - total vehicle strength is 1 003. Of this, 709 are serviceable, 137 are in the garage and seven are boarded.

(iii) Molopo Area - total vehicle strength is 608. Of this number, 449 are serviceable, 92 are in the garage and none are boarded.

In addition to those vehicles allocated to these areas, 103 vehicles are allocated to the Provincial Commissioner. Of this number, 92 are serviceable, seven are in the garage and four are boarded.

In percentage terms for the whole province, 74,94% are serviceable vehicles, 12.07% are in the garage and 12.99% are boarded.

4. Total number of police in Province

The actual number of police personnel in the province is 8 926, and the granted number is 9 327. However, ideally the province would like to have 10 424 police officers. The difference between the ideal number and the actual number of police officers is 1 498.

Number of reservists in province 893

Number of reservists needed 1 409

B. Local picture

1. Klerksdorp Police Station

The delegation met with the Station Management, led by the Station Commissioner, and was told that the mission of the Klerksdorp police station is to create a safe and secure environment for all in the policing area of Klersdorp. The population of the Klerksdorp policing area is 53 486.

(a) Plan of action

The Station Commissioner reported that the station is focusing on fighting crime, and on delivering a service in such a way that the partnership between the police and the community is restored to a level where the team established can focus on reducing the priority crimes, such as theft, theft out of motor vehicles, housebreaking, and common robbery.

To fulfil the mission that the station has set itself, the management of the station proposes to give attention to internal functioning and quality.

Internal functioning

* Low productivity

They seek to eradicate low productivity and encourage managers to recognise good work and take action against unproductive members.

* Human resource management

Human resource management aims at controlling working days lost through absenteeism and ensuring manpower allocation according to needs.

* Logistical management

They seek to monitor the misuse of State vehicles. This will be done through regular inspections of vehicles.

* Low morale of members

This will be addressed by creating a friendly atmosphere at work.

Quality

* Docket quality in cases

This involves improving the number of dockets opened correctly by 25%.

* Investigation quality (conviction rate)

The plan is to increase the conviction rate by 2%.

(b) Community Policing Forums (CPFs)

The Klerksdorp SAPS reported that they have a cordial relationship with the CPF structure. CPF leaders confirmed this, saying in addition that the CPF and the SAPS in the area have developed a working relationship. The CPF reported that it has conducted numerous projects like Youth Month, Service with a Smile and Quiz for Secondary Schools.

(i) Youth Month

Numerous events were planned, such as the "Youth Day" in Alabama, drug awareness addresses at secondary schools and presentations of healthy hints for learners at primary schools.

(ii) Service with a Smile

A project was launched to request nominations for the friendliest police official, and the winner was announced on 27 August 2001.

(iii) Quiz for Secondary Schools

An annual quiz for secondary schools are held and will be expanded to include primary school learners.

(c) Crime statistics

Crime statistics are as follows:

Theft 5 036 cases
House breaking and theft 1 282 cases
Theft out of vehicles 1 001 cases
Theft of motor vehicles 333 cases
Common robbery 333 cases

The above are the 2001 statistics, and only reflect the number of reported cases.

(d) Women and child abuse

The Klerksdorp police reported that between June and December 2001 a total of 61 cases in connection with child abuse had been reported. Of those 61, 46 were assault, 11 rape, three indecent assault and one abuse.

A total of 32 cases have been reported in respect of women - 15 rape, 10 assault, three domestic violence, two attempted rape and two indecent assault.

Thus a total of 93 cases relating to women and child abuse have been reported.

(e) Vehicle strength

The total vehicle strength for uniformed police at Klerksdorp is 22. Of this number, only one is in the garage, thus leaving 21 serviceable vehicles available for use.

In respect of detectives, the vehicle strength is 28. Of these 28, 25 are serviceable, one in the garage and two boarded. In addition to these motor vehicles, there are eight motorbikes.

Ideally, the Klersdorp SAPS want to have 75 vehicles, instead of the current 58.

(f) Infrastructure

The police station accommodates uniformed and detective units. There is a planned maintenance project to repair and upgrade the existing buildings in poor condition. Repair and upgrading of the cells was in process and were to be completed before April 2002.

2. Ikageng

Ikageng Police Station is responsible for policing 400 000 people (the population of Ikageng). This service is rendered by 72 police officers. To the astonishment of the delegation, the Acting Station Commissioner reported that two police officers had been transferred to Mafikeng. The reason for the amazement was that, according to the delegation, Mafikeng had a number of police officers who did not have anything to do most of the time. The delegation registered its displeasure with this, saying Ikageng had a dire shortage of police officers, and that it could therefore not understand the rationale behind transferring members to a station where there was even a "surplus". Upon further explanation, the Acting Station Commissioner pointed out that they could not even make cross-transfers because of a shortage of houses. However, there was a plan to build a new police station, but they were still waiting for the Public Works time schedule.

Of 72 the police officers, 23 are detectives, who handle approximately 60 dockets per detective per month. These investigating officers are using 10 vehicles that are available at the station, but would like to have 18 (the ideal number). With these 18, they envisage a ratio of two investigating officers per vehicle. Ideally, Ikageng Police Station would like to have 40 investigating officers.

(a) Prevalent crimes

Assault, house-breaking, theft and rape are the most prevalent crimes in the area of Ikageng. According to statistics provided by the police, more than 10 cases of rape are reported every month. For 2001 alone, 162 cases of rape were reported.

The community leader in the area disputed the numbers provided by the acting station commissioner, saying it could be more, as record-keeping at the police station is poor. She cited, for example, that the station does not have records of molested children. In addition, she sensitised the delegation to a shortage of women in the station, propounding further that even cases of women and child abuse, including rape, are handled by men.

(b) Number of vehicles

The station has 18 vehicles in total. The number needed is 52. There is only one vehicle per shift, others being in different units like crime prevention and child abuse.

(c) Number of police personnel

The total number of police officers is 72; the ideal number is 300. This figure of 72 should be compared with the 145 granted. According to the Area Commissioner, Ikageng is running with 72 members because the national office has not given them a mandate to appoint new officers. Questions arose as to what criterion is used to distribute personnel and who decides on the number of officers per police station. Regarding criteria, the response was that population, the crime situation and other factors are used as criteria. As to who decides regarding the distribution of personnel per station, the delegation was told that the national office decides. This scenario did not go down well with the delegation, who retorted that the National Commissioner always gives them a different picture. The delegation said if this is what really takes place, it is wrong, as it is not possible for somebody in Pretoria to know the different needs of police stations at grass roots level.

(d) Corruption in SAPS

The delegation heard that three members had been charged with corruption. Of these three, one was sentenced and therefore automatically discharged. The second case is pending, while the third one was found to be medically unfit, and is appealing against the case.

(e) Unions

Unions present are SAPU and POPCRU, and the relationship between them and the management is very good.

(f) Attitude of community in general

The Acting Station Commissioner claimed that the relationship between the SAPS and the people is very good. This was disputed by the community leader, who claimed that the SAPS there do not provide a good service.

(g) Conviction rate

The conviction rate is between 6% and 7%. The leader of the delegation commented that if there was a good relationship between the SAPS and the community, the conviction rate would not be that low, so something needed to be done.

3. Potchefstroom

The population of Potchefstroom is about 68 000. 113 police personnel service this population.

(a) Distribution of police personnel

Potchefstroom has 113 uniformed police officers. The station reported that to be effective, it needed an additional 40 members. Of the 113, 24 are female. There are also 49 detectives, two of whom are female. Each detective handle about 35 dockets per month.

The question as to who decides on the number of police personnel and on what basis, arose again. The response was that figures, recruitments (and when to recruit) and who goes where in the station were determined by the National Office. It was said that such decisions are arrived at on the basis of the level of crime and the population.

This response again begged a question from the delegation as to what the Provincial Commissioner is being paid for if the National Office is running the province and its programmes. According to the delegation, the criteria used are wrong, as the Provincial Commissioner is supposed to determine the needs of his province.

(b) Vehicle strength

(i) Uniformed police

The Potchefstroom Police Station has 26 vehicles. Of the 26, 24 are serviceable, whilst two are in the garage.

(ii) Detectives

The detectives have 24 vehicles, of which 19 are serviceable, two are in the garage and three are boarded. This brings the total serviceable vehicle strength to 48.

(iii) Accidents and damages

A Vehicle Accident and Damage Board was implemented at area level on 1 August 2001. Commanders and drivers involved in accidents appear before this Board, which sits weekly. The Board is chaired by the Deputy Area Commissioner: Support Services. This has had positive effects in reducing accidents by determining responsibility, suspend drivers' licences and instituting civil claims and disciplinary actions.

(c) Prevalent crimes

Prevalent crimes are house-breaking, pick-pocketing and stealing of copper cables. The Provincial Commissioner reported that rape and murder are not rife, but all the same the rate of murder has gone up. Domestic violence is also low.

(d) Escapes from prison

The delegation heard that Potchefstroom never had escapes from cells, except in transit to court or in community services (but even in these circumstances, such incidents were very rare).

(e) Corruption in SAPS

Over the previous 12 months, it was reported that only one police officer had been charged, a branch commander. This officer is currently suspended.

(f) Trauma centres

A centre for traumatised children and women is currently under construction. Traumatised children and women are being housed, for the time being, in hospitals.

(g) Infrastructure

New three-storey buildings and cellblocks were built in 2001. The existing old police station is being upgraded and is used by detectives and as a mortuary. The building of a safehouse for victims of crime, which is a CPF project funded by the community, is being planned, and architect plans have already been approved by Public Works.

IV. NORTHERN PROVINCE

A. Provincial picture

The delegation proceeded from North West to the Northern Province, where they met the SAPS top management in Pietersburg. The Northern Province has four areas - Bushveld, Far North, Central and Giyani.

The total number of police stations is 90. There are 30 police stations in the Bushveld Area, 19 in the Central Area, 21 in the Far North and 20 in Giyani. The stations visited were Thohoyandou, Messina and Mutale, all in the Far North Area. However, before the delegation could visit them, the provincial team, led by Provincial Commissioner Sengani, briefed them on the provincial "picture". The following topics were touched on:

1. Population

The province has 5 200 000 inhabitants, 12,1% of the national population. 541 301 (11%) live in urban areas, while 4 388 067 (89%) live in rural areas. 81% of the population is between nought and 39 years of age.

2. Integration

The Provincial Change Team was appointed in November 1994 to facilitate the transformation and amalgamation process. 3 384 staff members were integrated from the former SAP, 2 777 from the former Lebowa, 2056 from former Venda, 1135 from former Gazankulu, and 44 from MK.

3. Crime-combating strategy - operational policing priorities

(a) Priority one: Serious and violent crimes

The objective here is to combat serious and violent crimes like murder, attempted murder and armed robbery.

(b) Priority two: Organised crime

(c) Priority three: Crime against women and children

The objective is to combat crimes against women and children, like rape and assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm.

(d) Priority four: Property-related crimes

The objective is to combat the following prioritised property-related crimes: House-breaking in businesses, house-breaking in residences, theft of motor vehicles, theft from motor vehicles, and common robbery.

(e) Budget and resource management

The objective is to utilise the budget within acceptable parameters, to manage provincial logistical resources to the benefit of all, to implement specified programmes to institutionalise performance management, to address skills shortages, to optimise personnel utilisation in accordance with crime priorities, to address affirmative action, and to assist employees with problems that might influence their work.

(f) Improve basic service delivery to all communities

The objective is to improve the quality of service through the SDIP and implement information technology systems at all police stations in the province. In addition, they seek to improve emergency services to the community.

4. Stabilisation and normalisation of areas

A Crime-Combating Task Team (CCMT) was formed, and its goal was to serve as a high-impact multi-disciplinary team that would reduce crime at the following crime-combating zones:

Central Area Far North Area

Pietersburg Thohoyandou
Sehego Louis Trichard
Mankweng
Lebowakgomo Giyani Area
Nebo
Motetema Bushbuck Ridge
Giyani
Bush Veld Area Bolobedu
Tzaneen
Warmbath Ritavi
Potgietersrus Calcutta
Mokopane Maake

5. Normalisation of policing

This has to do with crime management and addressing the causes of crime. Normalisation, the delegation was told, is a long-term and an ongoing process. The approach of this long-term goal is:

(a) Crime analysis

(b) Human resource utilisation

(c) Deployment of resources

(d) Crime prevention

(e) Investigation

(f) Community partnership policing

(g) Community service centre performance

6. Logistics - motor vehicles

Number of boarded vehicles 879
Number of vehicles not replaced 632
Total running vehicles 1 676

The Provincial Commissioner reported that the disadvantage with most of these vehicles is that they are small, which makes it difficult to use them in rural areas.

7. Current personnel strength

The province has 8 977 police personnel, and a population of 5 200 000. This translates to one police official for every 731 citizens (the national ratio is 1:443). Females constitute 16.9% (1 524) of the personnel. Of 8 977 police officers, 1 400 are detectives who each handle about 130 dockets per month. The provincial management reported that they were happy with the work of the detectives and did not need more. Ideally, the province would like to have 11 977 police personnel. The strength per area is:

Provincial Commissioner 399
Bushveld Area 1 370
Giyani Area 2 111
Central Area 2 707
Far North Area 2 410

The delegation was told that the National office determines the number of police per province, per area and per police station. Also determined by the National office is the downgrading or upgrading of police stations, and which police station is to be closed. The criteria used in downgrading are size of police stations and the crime situation.

The delegation commented that the role of the National Office should be the monitoring of adherence to national standards and not to determine what is right for each province. Provincial offices, because of their intimate knowledge of provincial situation, should take the lead on the issue of personnel distribution and downgrading or upgrading of police stations in the province.

8. Border policing

There are seven border posts. In addition, there are landing strips on every farm. So far, 34 landing strips have been identified. Publiche porder police do most of the border policing. They are used in operations on borders and in conflict in the transport sector, and they are also very much instrumental in crime prevention. To look at this "border problem", the province has established borderline task teams. About 150 members are permanently placed at the border posts.

The National Office is also running a programme called "Operation Attachment" along the border. This programme seeks to root out corruption at border posts.

9. Crime against women and children and places of trauma

There are many rape cases in the province. 12 to 15 cases of rape of children are reported every week, and in many instances the culprit is known. In all these instances, the culprit gets arrested. The age group of the survivors is between four and 16 years.

The province plans to establish two units for traumatised women and children in each area. There are six to eight victim empowerment centres in priority police stations. One of them is in Thohoyandou.

10. Community Policing Forums (CPFs)

The relationship between the SAPS and the people is very good, the Provincial Management said, and leaders of CPFs confirmed this. It was also reported that CPF structures in all areas are very representative and that all areas are represented in the provincial structure.

11. Infrastructure

The delegation heard that SAPS members are accommodated in appalling conditions, not good for a person expected to deliver. The Provincial Management reported that the Housing MEC promised to accommodate police in RDP houses. However, this idea was shot down by the delegation, saying it was not a solution to the housing problem in the SAPS.

In the majority of police stations, there are no Telkom facilities. Of 90 police stations, for instance, 52 do not have Telkom facilities. However, the Provincial Commissioner promised that 20 of these 52 will have Telkom facilities installed and that 32 will still be outstanding. Such police stations are currently using manual systems.

12. Farm attacks

There is a Commission for Rural Safety - members of the SAPS are sitting down with farmers to deal with the issue of farm attacks. In the research conducted, which was a joint venture between the SAPS and the University of the North, it has been found that there is no correlation between farm attacks and politics. More often, it has been found that former farm employees regroup and launch attacks. It has especially been seen to be the case with people from Zimbabwe and Mozambique - it is them who often launch these attacks.

13. Escapes from prison

In 54 of the 90 police stations, prisoners managed to escape.

14. Corruption in SAPS

Up to 2001, 155 cases of police corruption were reported. Most of them were in connection with bribery and the selling of dockets.

B. Local picture - station profile

1. Thohoyandou

Thohoyandou Police Station serves more than three towns and 123 rural villages, all of which are densely populated. The population of Thohoyandou is approximately 1,2 million.

(a) Distribution of personnel

Thohoyandou Police Station has about 378 police officials. Of this number, 30 are female. The number of uniformed police is 320, whilst that of detectives is 58.

(b) Station structure

The station has one director, two senior superintendents, eight superintendents (one female), seven captains, 336 inspectors, 11 sergeants, three constables and 34 civilians. This totals up to 402 personnel.

(c) Satellite stations

The station has five satellite stations, at Phipidi, Shayandima, Makumbane, Sibasa and Matatshe.

Each satellite station has one satellite commander, 16 members and one vehicle.

(d) Crime overview - problematic crimes

A comparison between the 2000 and 2001 statistics shows an increase in the most problematic crimes: Rape - 181 vs 202; house-breaking (residence) - 1 153 vs 958; house-breaking (business) - 220 vs 289; assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm - 1 486 vs 1 287; common robbery - 492 vs 461; theft from motor vehicles - 316 vs 362. There is also an increase in the following crimes: Stock theft -17 vs 26; witchcraft - 129 vs 180; child abuse - 9 vs 16); attempted rape - 32 vs 94).

(e) CPF activities and community involvement

Active CPFs and subforums exist in the station area. CPF meetings are held on a monthly basis. Community policing projects are being implemented at the station on a continuous basis. The following projects have been implemented:

(i) Youth Against Crime

(ii) Pator Adopt a Station

(iii) Break the Silence

(iv) Women and Child Abuse

(v) Drama Against Crime

(f) Victim empowerment programme

This programme has already been established at the station. The Trauma Centre is based at Tshilidzini Hospital and has been in use since 1 October 2001, operating 24 hours per week. Members are posted on a relief basis and about 60 trained volunteers are also working on relief day and night, assisting in counselling victims.

(g) Vehicles

Uniform police serviceable 27
Detectives serviceable 22
Vehicles in the garage 5
Vehicles boarded 7
--
Total 61
--

The ideal number of vehicles needed is 70, and there is a dire need for 4x4 vehicles for off-road terrain work.

(h) Crime prevention operations

(i) Operation Crackdown

Four task teams have been established to address the priority crimes: House-Breaking Task Team, Robbery Task Team, Theft out of and from Motor Vehicle Task Team; and Rape Task Team. All these teams are composed of members from different units - Detectives, CIG, Crime Prevention and Crowd Management Unit.

(ii) Gococ operation

This operation focuses on flashpoints areas.

(iii) Month-end operation

This focuses on common robbery and theft of cellular phones in the CBDs.

(iv) Day-to-day crime prevention operation

This is conducted daily by the Crime Prevention Unit, focusing on crime prevention in general.

(v) Mobile community service centre project

This project was launched by the MEC for Safety, Security and Liason, Me Magadzi, on 2 November 2001. Two specially built vehicles have been handed over to the Station Commissioner for that purpose and are manned by two members from the Detectives Unit and two from the Crime Prevention Unit.

According to the Thohoyandou SAPS, crime in general has decreased by 7% from the year 2000.

2. Mutale

The Mutale Police Station has about 148 police personnel. Of this number, there is one superintendent, six captains, 113 inspectors and 28 police reservists. There are also 14 detectives. They service about 110 765 residents.

(a) Priority crimes

Prioritised crimes are rape, theft, murder and assault. From 1998 to 2000, all these priority crimes have been on the increase. [No statistics available for 2001, except for rape statistics.] In 1998, 26 cases of rape have been reported, in 1999, 49 cases, in 2000, 30 cases, and in 2001 57 cases. Theft cases: 1998 -58; 1999 - 109; and 2000 - 127 cases. Murder: 1998 - four; 1999 - three; and 2000 - four. Assault: 1998 - 488; 1999 - 679; and 2000 - 825. In summary, in 1998, 576 priority crimes were reported; 840 were reported in 1999; and 986 in 2000. Mutale SAPS themselves said that crime is increasing at an alarming rate in the area.

(b) Station goals

(i) Crime

To reduce the level of crimes like theft and assault from 2 286 to 1 138 crimes within a period of six months

(ii) Phone calls

To respond immediately to phone calls and complaints

(iii) Time to be served

To arrive immediately at the crime scene

(iv) Training

To train detectives and uniform members in CAS and SWAT

(v) Absenteeism

To reduce the level of absenteeism

(vi) Morale

To build morale among uniform and detective members

(c) Vehicle strength

Vehicles

Serviceable vehicles 6
Vehicle in the garage 1
Boarded vehicles 12
--
Total 19
--

The ideal number of vehicles is 25.

(d) Unions

Unions represented in the station are POPCRU and SAPU, and their relationship with the management is good. This was confirmed by the representatives of these two unions.

(e) Public perception of SAPS

The public perception is positive (75%). This is also confirmed by the number of reservists, whom the Station Commander claimed to be learned people like teachers.

3. Messina

The Messina Police Station has about 108 police personnel. The granted number is 122, and the ideal number is 150.

(a) Vehicle strength

There are 16 running vehicles. The ideal number of running vehicles for this station is 25

(b) Women and Children Protection Unit

The Station Commissioner reported that there is a victim support centre and a constant female police member to whom complaints connected with children and women abuse can be referred.

(c) Unions

Unions represented in the station are POPCRU and SAPU, and their relationship with the management is cordial. This was confirmed by the representatives of the two unions.

(d) CPF

The CPF leader reported that the relationship between the community and the police is very good. The CPF has organised events like Mr and Miss Messina Police Station, with great success. It has also been reported that the response of the community in respect of reservist duty is good.

(e) Conviction rate

The conviction rate is 33%. The delegation reasoned that this low conviction rate defeats the earlier view presented that the community is supportive. The Provincial Commissioner, in turn, attributed this low conviction rate to the quality of detective work. In other instances, he pointed out, the truthfulness of the complainant was doubted and the dockets went missing.

(f) Public perception of SAPS

The delegation was told that the public perception of the SAPS is positive and that most people are very supportive. However, it was pointed out that some white people in the community still insist on being served by white police officials, and that the station should be managed by white officers. Black officers, at times, find themselves being instructed by white officers who take cases from white people while they (white officers) are in their homes.

The leader of the delegation urged the SAPS to deal with those SAPS members who take complaints from their homes instead of directing the complainants to the police station. He appealed to the police to close ranks, irrespective of where anyone comes from. He also pointed out that due to the problem of Zimbabwe immigrants, it is important that the station is equipped optimally.

After these discussions, the delegation was escorted by SAPS members to view the cells, where most of the Zimbabwe immigrants are kept. SAPS members in Messina reported that it cost R4 000 per week to feed and deport these immigrants. Most of them enjoy this R4 000 four times per month, as they return immediately after they have been deported. The temptation for them to return is reinforced by the fact that it takes them 12 km to return to Messina against the 500 km they are expected to travel to return to their respective homes. As a result, most of these people return on the same day they were deported.