The City of Cape Town has approved plans to build a new police station in Belhar, a community that has waited for such a fully equipped facility for more than a decade.
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To date, local police have been operating from a building that houses less than five holding cells, with many cases and suspects having to be transferred to neighbouring areas. Reagen Allen, Police Oversight and Community Safety MEC, says Belhar had a ratio of one officer per 1 016 residents.
Ismael Arnold, spokesperson for the Community Policing Forum (CPF), hopes that a larger station means more resources and personnel. ‘As it stands the police station is understaffed and needs more support services like sexual offence victim rooms. The area’s population has been growing over the years and so is crime. We do feel it would have been better if the location was central to accommodate all residents of Belhar.’
As per the recommendation report, dated March 22, a portion of ERF 27040 will be transferred to the Department of Public Works with conditions.
IOL reports that a purchase price of R4 950 000 excluding VAT, being 25% of the full market value of R19 800 000, will be payable. According to the report, the purchase price is to be ‘adjusted by 5% per annum compounded annually on a pro rata basis, commencing from six months after the date of valuation from April 1, 2022, until the date of registration. The valuation is to be reviewed if not implemented within 36 months from date of valuation, September 30, 2024. Rates and municipal charges, if applicable, be levied.’
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