A nationwide audit conducted by the Democratic Alliance (DA) has found that more than half of South Africa's police stations could not be reached by telephone.
The audit assessed 1,025 police stations across all nine provinces using officially listed contact numbers. According to the findings, 571 stations did not answer their phones, while 454 stations answered one or both listed numbers.
The results indicate that 56% of police stations could not be reached by telephone, while 44% were contactable.
Limpopo recorded the lowest reachability rate, with 78 of its 87 police stations failing to answer. The Free State recorded the second-lowest rate. The audit also found that several police stations in high-crime priority areas could not be reached.
The findings mirror concerns raised during a DA oversight visit to the SAPS 10111 Emergency Communication Centre. Officials reportedly cited staff shortages, communication challenges, outdated technology and difficulties contacting police stations as ongoing issues.
The DA said it would submit the audit findings to the Minister of Police and the National Commissioner of Police, and would call for corrective measures to improve public access to police stations.
The audit assessed 1,025 police stations across all nine provinces using officially listed contact numbers. According to the findings, 571 stations did not answer their phones, while 454 stations answered one or both listed numbers.
The results indicate that 56% of police stations could not be reached by telephone, while 44% were contactable.
Limpopo recorded the lowest reachability rate, with 78 of its 87 police stations failing to answer. The Free State recorded the second-lowest rate. The audit also found that several police stations in high-crime priority areas could not be reached.
The findings mirror concerns raised during a DA oversight visit to the SAPS 10111 Emergency Communication Centre. Officials reportedly cited staff shortages, communication challenges, outdated technology and difficulties contacting police stations as ongoing issues.
The DA said it would submit the audit findings to the Minister of Police and the National Commissioner of Police, and would call for corrective measures to improve public access to police stations.