North West Legislature Committee on Community Safety Concludes Oversight Visits in the Dr. Kenneth Kaunda

In a surprising turn of events, on Thursday, 23 October 2025, the North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Community Safety and Transport Management, led by Hon. Freddy Sonakile, conducted two unannounced night oversight visits to the Jouberton and Klerksdorp Police Stations. The night visits aimed to obtain a realistic view of police operations during after-hours at these two busy stations.

At Jouberton Police Station, the Committee was impressed with the overall state of infrastructure, which includes a fully functional Victim Support Centre and a Gender-Based Violence Desk. The Occurrence Book was properly maintained, all officers on duty had their pocket books, and the Cells Control Book 14 was in order.

During the visit, a community member who had accompanied her sister to lay a criminal charge agreed to engage with the Committee. She expressed satisfaction with the service received but raised concerns about the slow police turnaround time in Alabama, an area serviced by Klerksdorp Police Station.
Engagements with the station management also covered the issue of gang-related violence in the area and the police’s response strategies to such challenges.

At Klerksdorp Police Station, the Committee observed the heavy workload faced by officers. One officer’s pocket book reflected that during that evening shift, before 9pm she had already processed 20 certifications, demonstrating the strain on limited personnel. The station management acknowledged severe staff shortages, but emphasized that officers continue to do their best with available resources.

The Committee also noted the positive impact of the Community in Blue initiative, which has strengthened police visibility and reduced incidents of theft by snatching and smash-and-grab crimes in the town.

However, persistent challenges relating to infrastructure, personnel, and vehicles remain pressing. The Committee also engaged station management on allegations of racism, the proliferation of uncontrolled taverns, and coordination with stakeholders such as the Liquor Board to address these concerns.
“This was an unusual but necessary type of oversight. Unlike scheduled day visits, nothing was rehearsed, everything was real-time. It gave us an honest appreciation of the daily realities our men and women in blue face, and the resilience of the communities they serve.” said Hon Sonakile.

The Portfolio Committee will now compile a comprehensive oversight report covering all findings and will engage the relevant departments and entities with clear timelines for the implementation of corrective measures and immediate interventions on identified challenges.

Ends