Police forced to patrol in unsafe ‘caskets on wheels’
The wheels are coming off for the police in Nelson Mandela Bay as some are having to patrol in unserviced vehicles with smooth tyres.
Gqeberha police officers have described the situation as life-threatening for both themselves and residents, but they are forced to continue patrols in their “caskets on wheels”.
They say it is so dire that when a nail punctures a tyre in some cases it must remain lodged to avoid a lengthy wait for a replacement.
Images sent to The Herald depicted at least six different vehicles with tyres so worn the canvas was exposed, while others showed nails embedded in them. However, police spokesperson Colonel Priscilla Naidu said no vehicles were reported as being parked due to tyre-related issues, with vehicles going for weekly inspections.
A police officer, who asked not be named, said the situation placed an additional risk on their already life-threatening professions.
“We already drive with very old vehicles and because we have little money in the budget, we just nurse the vehicles ourselves.
“Now it’s difficult to get new tyres, the canvas is already coming through on some of the tyres but we have to keep driving because the work needs to be done though these are unsafe vehicles.”
Another officer said: “It’s dangerous because such a tyre can easily burst, especially if you need to respond quickly to a crime scene or chase a suspect.
“You never know, you might have to chase a suspect today.”
A third officer said the situation was embarrassing.
“Especially marked police vehicles should not appear unroadworthy.
“It presents a poor image for the police when the canvas comes through on tyres.
“It’s clear that inspections are either not being conducted or eyes are being closed to the worn tyres because the work needs to be done.
“Remember, police vehicles are typically in operation 24 hours a day.” Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union spokesperson Richard Mamabolo said the issue was not confined to the Bay.
“That’s a common challenge with many police vehicles, which has an impact on service delivery.
“It is something that we are deeply concerned about and it should be addressed.”
Naidu said the vehicles were inspected weekly, with tyres being among the priorities.
“Whenever there is a need to change tyres, the request is made to the accountable stations for procurement,” she said.
“Service delivery is not hampered as the procurement processes pertaining to tyres are fast-tracked.”
Police minister Bheki Cele said last year that at least a quarter of the SAPS’s visible policing vehicles in the Eastern Cape were inoperable, gathering dust and unable to provide a service.
He said almost 27% of visible policing vehicles in the province were not operational, as were just less than a fifth of the vehicles used by detectives.
This was revealed by Cele in reply to written parliamentary questions by DA MP Andrew Whitfield.
Ward 55 councillor Thanduxolo Doda said at the weekend that the lack of resources in Motherwell had contributed to an escalating wave of violence in the area. “The [Motherwell] police station has a concerning lack of resources and staff.
“If you call for emergency assistance, you’re often told there are no vehicles which means they [police] can’t attend to cases. “The station has only three police vehicles for the entire area,” he said.
Anti-crime activist Yusuf Abramjee said the problem was ongoing and widespread.
“Some vehicles are in garages for months and for basic issues,” he said.
“It’s affecting service delivery. Many police vehicles are not roadworthy.
“Police need to get their act together and ensure that vehicles are maintained and in good condition.”