SAPS officer’s positive Covid-19 test sparks panic
FOUR police stations around
Durban have been closed when staff tested positive for Covid-19 in the past week.
At the beginning of the week, Chatsworth SAPS commenced with deep cleaning and sanitisation of its facilities after a policewoman was hospitalised with the virus.
A source at the police station said the officer was a constable who worked in the Community Services Centre (CSC) which deals directly with the public. Anxiety levels were high at the police station.
The last time that she was at the station was last Monday.
She was expected to return to work last Saturday but took sick leave and went for testing. She received her results on Monday and alerted her station commander of her diagnosis.
The officer is receiving medical treatment and is in quarantine.
Staff who had contact with the woman were required to go for either testing or screening for the virus. A mobile unit was set up outside the police station.
Following the station being sanitised, it reopened on Thursday.
However, Phoenix police station, the Dog Unit at Durban Central station and the emergency call centre, also operating from there, all had confirmed cases of the virus and worked towards getting the “all clear” from health officials.
The community policing forums in Phoenix and Chatsworth have also expressed concerns.
Umesh Singh, chairperson of the Phoenix community policing forum, said the incident had garnered a mixed reaction.
“There were those who were understanding and patient, while others were irrational. But that could have been caused by fear. Although this officer tested positive, we have had other cases of the virus in our area, so we should know how to react.”
Singh said this was a time to rally behind the station and for the community to provide support by adhering to all lockdown regulations.
“The issue was handled swiftly and professionally, which was great. The officers do their part to keep us all safe, and it is now up to the community to play ball.
“This should serve as a cautionary tale that anyone could contract the virus if they are reckless,” he said.
Chatsworth community activist and executive CPF member, Nelson Subramoney, said the community was shocked and scared at first, but began to calm down.
“It is very scary, and members of the community were fearful that they could get infected. But once the situation was handled by officials and they got control over the situation, they understood they didn’t need to be so scared.”
Subramoney said the community’s safety would always be a priority and this was a time where people needed to help each other.
“The lockdown has been tough on us all and now to have an officer test positive it was a shock, but we pray for the safety of everyone and that all will be right again.”
National police spokesperson Brigadier Vish Naidoo said contingency plans had been put in place while each of the premises was decontaminated and staff were being screened or tested.
“All protocols are being followed, and the safety of our members is paramount and so is continuing with service delivery.
“With Phoenix, we have put a temporary service centre just outside the premises, and the
Dog Unit is being supported by the other dog units in the north and nouth of the area. The call centre has been relocated in order for operations to continue.”
Naidoo said they would continue to ensure that proper precautionary and preventative measures were taken at each station and that officers had access to personal protective equipment.
“Work stations, offices, client service centres, equipment and vehicles have to be continuously sanitised and cleaned in order to curb and contain the spread of the virus.
“But we are grateful for the patience and understanding, especially from the Chatsworth and Phoenix communities, who have allowed us the time and space to smoothly follow health protocols.”
Naidoo said they were working to get all stations back on track and to resume to normal as soon as possible.
On Thursday, Police Minister Bheki Cele said 841 police officers had been diagnosed with Covid-19, with 601 being stationed in the Western Cape. The deaths of eight officers were recorded nationally.