GEORGE NEWS - The premises of the police vehicle theft unit in Hibernia Street is in a neglected state and it is a shame that members of the unit should work in such conditions, and receive the public there. So says a complainant who has approached George Herald to do an inspection on site.
On the day of the newspaper's visit, we found tall weeds, rubbish and human excrement around the building.
"It is totally unacceptable. There is also no covering for vehicles and inspections have to be done in the rain sometimes, and in the dirt. I feel sorry for the officials who have to get in underneath the cars to do their inspections," said the complainant, who wanted to remain anonymous.
"With no fencing, it is also impossible to keep homeless people away. They leave behind trash and use the premises as a toilet and for their drunken brawls."
The access road, once neatly paved, is also now full of potholes.
The condition of an outbuilding where files are stored.
George Herald has also heard that the toilet doors of the building have been stolen twice before razor wire was put up on the walls of the courtyard where the toilets are situated. Moreover, there has apparently been a rat infestation and a rat ran over an official's desk while a member of the public was being served.
There is no space for trucks, which have to be inspected on a nearby bus parking space.
Southern Cape Police spokesperson Capt Malcolm Pojie said the property belongs to the Department of Transport and Public Works and did not want to give further comment.
The access road to the Vehicle Theft Unit premises.
The provincial Public Works Department referred the newspaper to the national department, that acknowledged receipt of our query last week and gave the assurance that the matter is receiving attention.
The department also has to respond regarding the condition of the access road, which is not municipal property, according to municipal communications chief Chantel Edwards-Klose. The "road" is in fact the driveway to the property.
Tall grass on the side of the building where the public entrance is.
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