Free State police spokesperson Motantsi Makhele said the Provincial Police Commissioner, Baile Motswenyane, visited the Tumahole Police Station on Wednesday after becoming aware of messages on social media about the station’s inaccessibility to the community. Community members complained that the station is closed at night. 

Preliminary investigations revealed that a lady, who allegedly waited at the police station for an ambulance, was attended to by the police official who was in charge. She allegedly went out of her way to assist the lady and made sure she was taken to the hospital with her child. 

Open Letter to Police Minister General Bheki Cele

Urgent action needed: Reopening Tumahole Police Station 24/7

Greetings Leadership,

I am writing this open letter to bring your attention to the pressing issue of the Tumahole Police Station's closure at night. As a concerned… pic.twitter.com/byWgDlBu4l

— Edgar Legoale ???? (@EdgarLegoale) July 26, 2023

It’s alleged that, at that time, community members arrived at the police station's locked doors. 

Makhele explained that Motswenyane instructed the district commissioner to conduct in-depth investigations into that matter and further assured the community that the Tumahole Police Station will keep on providing services to them.

JUST IN The Tumahole Police Station in Parys, Free State has been discovered to be closed during nighttime hours. This revelation has generated a wave of anger and frustration among the local community, who find themselves unable to report crimes or access the station when… pic.twitter.com/E4HPEqrWS1

— Central News (@centralnewsza) July 26, 2023

“The Provincial Commissioner will also have a discussion on the issue, taking into consideration the safety of everyone at the police station, the community, as well as members. Patients who are in transit to the hospital for their regular treatments, wait for the ambulance at the police station,” he said.

Motswenyane said she has given directives to the district commissioner to urgently deal with the matter so that service delivery won’t be compromised.

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