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TASK TEAM TO FAST-TRACK CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW POLICE STATION IN MARIANNHILL TO BE ESTABLISHED

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  • TASK TEAM TO FAST-TRACK CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW POLICE STATION IN MARIANNHILL TO BE ESTABLISHED


  • 17 Apr 2023

TASK TEAM TO FAST-TRACK CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW POLICE STATION IN MARIANNHILL TO BE ESTABLISHED

The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government has recommended the establishment of a multi-agency task team that will fast-track the construction of a new police station in Mariannhill, near Pinetown.

The proposed task team will comprise of all three spheres of government.

The move to build the new police station in Mariannhill follows Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube’s State of the Province Address in February where she announced drastic interventions to take the war to criminals and build safer communities.

Mariannhill has recently been in headlines due to acts of extreme violence and wanton shootings of people by brazen criminals. In February, five people were mowed down by criminals in a vehicle repair workshop. A week before that incident, 14 people were killed in separate incidents, which left the community living in fear.

The National Department of Public Works and Infrastructure Development, together with eThekwini Municipality, have identified land to build a new police station in Mariannhill.

“Once formed, the task team will meet regularly to clear all bottlenecks that may delay the construction of the new police station. The construction of this police station is very urgent. It will be a modern facility with advanced technology, which will respond to our resolve to confront crime head on and close all spaces for criminals. The new police station will go a long way in fighting rampant crime in Mariannhill, Mariannridge, Dassenhoek, KwaNdengezi and surrounding areas,” said the MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs Siboniso Duma.

MEC Duma, who is also Leader of Government Business, made this announcement during his oversight visit to Marriannhill Police Station. He was leading the Provincial Government delegation during the Premier’s Crime-Fighting Imbizo which took place in KwaNdengezi Sport Field on Sunday 16 April 2023, on behalf of the Premier, Nomusa Dube-Ncube.

“As government, we cannot rest on our laurels while our communities are held at ransom by criminals who kill with impunity. We condemn the multiple killings of people, the proliferation of drug dens and drug abuse by young people taking place in these areas. We urge communities to work with government and police to root out crime in KwaZulu-Natal,” said MEC Duma.

MEC Duma said the construction of the new police station is provincial government’s commitment to increase law enforcement in KwaNdengezi and surrounding areas, which are serviced by two police stations – Mariannhill and KwaNdengezi Police Stations.

“The new police station will allow for quicker response times to emergency situations, provide a more visible policing and offer specialized services to the community. It is important to note that building a new police station alone may not be enough to address the root causes of crime in this community. Addressing poverty, inequality, and social ills also plays a critical role in reducing crime rates,” said MEC Duma.
MEC Duma condemned police officers who are suspected of colluding with criminals in the commission of crime in the area. He urged law enforcement officers to operate in a fair and just manner while serving the community.

MEC Duma also visited KwaNdengezi Police station to monitor crime and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) cases as well as challenges faced by these police stations.
During his visit to the two police stations, MEC Duma unveiled two park homes that will serve as victim-friendly rooms where GBV victims will receive psycho-social support. 

Issued by the Provincial Government of KwaZulu-Natal