Serving a densely populated and high-crime area, the station is one of the smaller police stations in the province, yet plays a critical role in maintaining law and order.

The condition of the station was brought to the attention of the Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu, in a written question by a member of the National Assembly Paulnita Marais. She inquired whether any steps had been taken to address the issue of the congested working space and staff complement at the Kopanong Police Station.

EFF Member of the National Assembly Paulnita Marais. Photo: Facebook 

In his response, Mchunu confirmed a repair and renovation project had been registered for the 2024/2025 financial year, which would include improvements to the cell block. The project is expected to be completed by March 2025.

However, Mchunu indicated the construction of a new police station is not part of the provincial priorities in the current medium-term expenditure framework, although it has been earmarked for consideration in the future.

Free State police stations and correctional facilities have faced criticism for incomplete or substandard infrastructure. In 2023, during a visit by the then Minister of Public Works, Sihle Zikalala, the unfinished Parys Correctional Facility, and Park Road Police Station were highlighted as an example of delayed and inefficient public works projects.

In 2022, the Odendaalsrus Police Station made headlines when it was discovered staff had to use restrooms at a nearby garage due to non-functional toilets at the station. These issues form part of broader challenges with infrastructure projects across the province. OFM News previously reported out of 111 holding cells in the Free State, only 19 were in good condition, with many others facing significant repair needs.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi dg