The Gauteng Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Community Safety visited Sunnyside Police Station on Friday, February 28, to assess its effectiveness and address critical operational challenges.
The visit was part of the Committee’s mission to tackle challenges at Gauteng’s 40 poorest-performing police stations.
Bandile Masuku, Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Community Safety, reviewed the station’s crime statistics from October to December 2024, recognising some progress but emphasising the need for urgent action on critical issues.
“The Committee observed a decrease in murder cases, with only two counts recorded during the review period, compared to four counts during the same period in the previous year. This is a positive development and reflects the station’s efforts to address violent crime.”
However, the number of attempted murder cases increased significantly, with nine cases reported compared to three during the same period in the previous year. ‘This rise is alarming and requires targeted interventions by the station and key role players.’
Masuku voiced serious concern over the alarming rise in sexual offenses, which increased by 28 cases compared to the previous year.
“Rape cases, in particular, saw a dramatic increase, with 31 cases reported compared to 11 in the previous year. This is unacceptable and demands immediate action to ensure the safety of vulnerable groups in the community,” he said.
Masuku raised concerns about the weak collaboration between Sunnyside Police Station and the Tshwane Metro Police Department, emphasising that strong cooperation is vital for crime prevention. It also announced plans to engage with the City of Tshwane Municipality next week to resolve the matter.
He also pointed out the lack of adequate parking facilities around the police station, which could deter crime victims from reporting incidents and contribute to further demoralisation.
Despite the challenges Sunnyside Police Station faces, Masuku applauded them for earning the award for the best-performing detective unit last year.
“This achievement demonstrates the station’s potential and capability to effectively combat crime in the Sunnyside area,” he said.
Masuku has pledged to collaborate with the station and key stakeholders to tackle the identified challenges, including:
- Strengthening community policing initiatives to tackle sexual offenses and gender-based violence;
- Enhancing collaboration between the Sunnyside Police Station and the Tshwane Metro Police Department; and
- Providing additional support and resources to improve the station’s overall performance, particularly about vehicles that stay for months at repair centers instead of being used to prevent crime and attend to crime incidents.
He emphasised the Committee’s commitment to supporting the police in their mission to reduce crime and enhance the safety of all Gauteng residents.
Pretoria News