Johannesburg - Reported robberies at two East Rand police stations are undermining public trust in the Gauteng police, the Democratic Alliance said on Wednesday.
“Reports of items stolen from two police stations in the East Rand further undermine the credibility and public trust in Gauteng police,” DA Gauteng community safety spokeswoman Kate Lorimer said.
In Bedfordview, robbers allegedly gained entry to a police station exhibit room through the window of the station commander.
Cellphones and thousands of rands in cash were reportedly taken, Lorimer said.
This had followed a recent theft at the Alberton police station where a safe was stolen.
“Gauteng police must ensure a thorough investigation into both incidents to determine whether incompetence, negligence or even cooperation with suspected robbers compromised the security of the stations and evidence.”
Lorimer said the inability of police to protect their own work places raised questions as to whether they were willing and able to protect Gauteng residents and their property. - Sapa