Police Oversight and Community Safety
Hon Walters.
- Whether all the police staff members at Western Cape police stations currently possess valid driving licences; if not, how is this issue being addressed to ensure that all police staff members are properly licensed to operate police vehicles;
- whether there are any instances where patrols by the police have been delayed or cancelled due to officers being unable to drive police vehicles because of not having valid driving licences; if so, what measures are being taken to address this situation and to ensure that patrols can continue without disruption;
- whether there have been any instances in the past where police vehicles in the province were not available for patrols because they were found to be used for personal purposes overnight; if so, what actions have been taken to prevent this from happening in the future and to ensure that vehicles are being used for official duties only?
19. (1) Not all SAPS employees possess valid driving licences. 88% of employees are in possession of a drivers licence across the province.
To address this, members without driving licences are nominated for the SAPS “K53” driver training course. This initiative prioritises operational members but is also extend to support and administrative employees.
(2) There have been no reported instances where deployments have been delayed, suspended, or where service delivery has been adversely affected. All operational requirements continue to be met efficiently, ensuring uninterrupted policing services. Proactive measures are in place to mitigate potential challenges, maintaining seamless service delivery.
(3) Regrettably, one incident was reported at Caledon SAPS. The matter was addressed in accordance with the SAPS Disciplinary Regulations of 2016, and the employee underwent the appropriate process. This ensures accountability and reinforces adherence to professional standard within the service.
