Criminals could escape from the Villiersdorp police station's holding cells if the facility's dilapidated state is not urgently addressed, according to Nicholas Gotsell, who conducted an oversight visit to the station. Gotsell stated, "Service delivery cannot take place in rural stations such as the one here in Villiersdorp if it is not prioritised in terms of resource management and maintenance." Michelle Botes noted that these problems have persisted for years, noting, "In the past, criminals have indeed managed to escape. I also know of at least two suicide incidents that happened in those cells." Western Cape police were asked for comment but did not provide a response by the time of publication.
Deteriorating Holding Cells
The Villiersdorp police station's cells are currently not being used for overnight holding of suspects. Instead, the facility's holding cells are utilized solely during weekdays when suspects are scheduled to appear in the Villiersdorp Magistrate’s Court. This limited use comes amidst concerns over the cells' condition. There have been instances where criminals have managed to escape from these cells in the past. The facility has recorded at least two suicide incidents within its holding cells, showing critical safety and security challenges.
Severe Resource Shortages
The Villiersdorp police station operates with severe resource limitations, affecting its visible policing capabilities. Of its nine visible-policing vehicles, only five are currently operational, as one vehicle was destroyed by fire, another boarded up, and two double-cabs are undergoing repairs in the garage. The station's detective unit is similarly under-resourced, comprising four members who share a single vehicle.
The station's jurisdiction covers a wide area, extending towards Grabouw and Greyton, encompassing Helderstroom Prison, and including the main road to Worcester. New residential developments are creating additional access points into Villiersdorp, which complicates policing efforts in the area. Despite these expansive responsibilities, the station's fixed establishment includes 40 visible-policing members, 10 detectives, and 10 support staff, suggesting a disparity between staffing levels and operational demands. Concerns have also been raised regarding staff and dockets being housed in prefabricated or asbestos single quarters, indicating inadequate infrastructure. Further issues include a broken generator, which impacts operational resilience, and significant delays in the development of a new police station for the community.
SAPS Response and History
DA MP Nicholas Gotsell will directly address the condition of the Villiersdorp police station's cells and other resource problems with Western Cape police boss Lieutenant-General Sizakhele Dyantyi. Officers at Villiersdorp are currently forced to drive suspects to Kleinmond for lock-up. The South African Police Service (SAPS) is solely responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the devolved station. Gotsell had previously raised the issue of escapes during the tenure of former Western Cape police commissioner General Thembisile Patekile.
"But the ANC chairperson of the Select Committee on Security and Justice preferred to adjourn for lunch, instead of having Patekile account for the myriad of escapes," Gotsell stated. Six months after that issue was raised, "the committee received a flimsy response from SAPS," he added. An oversight team compiled a report following the recent visit, but Gotsell noted that it sometimes takes up to six months to receive feedback from SAPS. Michelle Botes, a former DA ward councillor, observed that "there was, however, never any political will" to address the issues during her time.