Back in 2009, former South African President Jacob Zuma launched the comprehensive rural development programme in villages under the Greater Giyani Municipality. The programme was aimed at changing the lives of poor residents in these villages, and the police station in Muyexe became part of the programme.
The building started in earnest, but the construction progress was hindered by contractors who left the site without completing the work, citing non-payment by the department as the reason.
Fifteen years down the line, the station was finally opened officially by National Commissioner of Police Gen Fanie Masemola. The official handing over of the new police station took place on Monday, 20 May.
Community leader Mr Eddie Hlungwani said the station came as a relief to the crime-ridden villages. "Reporting cases when they happened was a difficult task for the residents, who had to travel many kilometres and pay a lot of money for transport to Giyani Police Station. To certify just one document, one would be forced to pay a lot of money in taxi fare. Eleven villages will benefit from this station, and we are excited that this will ease the burden on the Giyani police," he said.
Hlungwani said that since the station had opened, they had seen a sharp decline in crime. "We are happy that the department also made many vans available, which means the response time will be quicker. Our traditional leader, Hosi Simon Muyexe, is equally excited that services have at long last come nearer to home," he said.
In handing over the station, Gen Masemola said the new station was in line with the SAPS's ongoing commitment to enhancing safety and security in communities, as well as providing policing services in high-density areas. "This state-of-the-art facility is equipped with modern infrastructure and technology aimed at improving the efficiency and effectiveness of police services, and we are calling on communities to utilise the facilities to their benefit," he said.