THE KAGISHO Police station will once again be temporarily closed for decontamination after several officers have tested positive for Covid-19 over the weekend, while some officials are reportedly too scared to return to work.
A mobile community service centre will be set up in front of the building to deliver the necessary services until the station is fully operational again on Wednesday 08 July.
The Provincial Commissioner of the Northern Cape, Lieutenant General Peter Shivuri, assured the community of Kagisho on Monday that services would not be hampered and the community would be assisted.
The police confirmed the closure, stating that some members had tested positive for Covid-19.
Police spokesperson, Brigadier Mohale Ramatseba, gave the assurance that all Covid-19 health and safety protocols would be complied with.
The Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (Popcru) expressed concern on Monday about the high number of officials who had tested positive at the Kagisho Police Station.
Popcru provincial secretary, Boitumelo Phelehu, said they called on the employer to provide psycho-social counselling to their members.
According to Phelehu, the union had called for the station to be closed, pointing out that it was difficult for those employees, who had come into close contact with the positive cases, to practice social distancing.
He added that the Kagisho Police Station was a hotspot due to the size of the station and the number of staff on each shift.
According to Phelehu, members who were awaiting their results were prevented from self-isolating as a result of a staff shortage.
He indicated that they were engaging with the employer regarding the implementation of different shifts to address this challenge.
“The station is small with no social distancing. Many officers have to share small offices,” said Phelehu.
Popcru called for those office managers, who coerced staff to report for duty while they were waiting for their results, to be charged
“Employers and managers who flaunt the process should be dealt with,” he stated.
Phelehu warned that Popcru would fight any disciplinary measures instituted against any member who were ‘in a state of shock’. This is after reports that some officials were afraid to go to work while others were producing sick notes.
“Those who are afraid to work should be tolerated. They cannot be subjected to disciplinary measures. They need to be supported and listened to.
“We know Covid-19 is a shock to everyone. But those who are affected must be given the necessary support,” he added.
In support of their members who are frontline workers, Popcru has provided sanitisers and masks.
“It is a fact that we cannot determine where they get the virus from. This is not only an employer or employee problem but a global one.
“But they must also take precautions when they are away from the workplace.
“Communities staying close to busy institutions like police stations, clinics and court buildings must also take precautions,” he advised.
