‘Northern areas needs more policing’

A VISIT by the provincial safety and security portfolio oversight committee has identified that Gelvandale needs more police resources to combat gangsterism in Port Elizabeth’s northern areas.

The committee is in Nelson Mandela Bay for three days to visit selected police stations.

Mount Road, Motherwell, Walmer and Gelvandale police stations were visited yesterday.

On Tuesday, the committee visited Kwazakhele and Uitenhage police stations.

As part of their inspections, the committee is talking to both staff and management to determine issues affecting grassroot level policing.

Portfolio committee chairman Michael Peter said the visit aimed to ensure that the police stations were functioning effectively.

“We were impressed with Kwazakhele, Uitenhage and Mount Road police station management,” he said.

“There are, however, some stations with problems that need to be addressed. In our opinion, the gang issues in Gelvandale need immediate action, which is why we are meeting with the provincial commissioner [today].”

However, Peter said Gelvandale police needed reinforcements to curb the surge in gang violence.

“This gang violence and witness killings has been highlighted as a major issue that needs immediate intervention. We need more reinforcements such as police cars and officers.

“Some of the other urgent issues that were also raised are how gangsters are communicating with their gang members from St Albans.”

The committee is expected to table a full report on their findings in the Bhisho legislature next month.