1(a) The information pertaining to the resourcing of police stations is confidential, which in the public domain, could jeopardize the safety of police stations and personnel and ultimately impact on the safety of the public. The confidential information regarding the resourcing of police stations, is directly linked to the safety of police premises and police officials.
The Station Commander erred on the side of caution by deferring the questions on resourcing, referring the Councillor to the Provincial Office. Questions regarding the resourcing of police stations are usually referred to the Provincial Commissioner and are responded to accordingly.
The conduct of the Primrose Station Commander is in line with the recent instruction issued by the Provincial Commissioner, regarding the disclosure of confidential information.
The Station Commander in no way intended to hamper civilian oversight, however, the disclosure of confidential information by the SAPS, must be done responsibly.
(1)(b) The mandate of the National Assembly is in no way hampered as the Provincial Commissioner will gladly respond to any requests submitted for information regarding the resourcing of a police station, as long as such information will not jeopardize the safety of police stations, police officials or the community that the SAPS serves.
2. The responses to questions asked, in the form of minutes of the meeting held on 27 May 2016, was attached to the response of Question number 542.
3. All questions were responded to after this office became aware of the meeting and the questions posed.