A Democratic Alliance visit to the Motherwell Magistrate’s Court and police station in Nelson Mandela Bay on 29 June found the facilities clean and efficient overall.
DA MP Glynnis Breytenbach led the oversight visit and described the precinct as exceptionally well off despite a few issues. She noted that the courts were running smoothly with prosecutors knowledgeable about their cases.
Security shortcomings drew concern from Breytenbach. Full-body metal detectors and X-ray machines have been out of service since 2015, while a faulty emergency exit was secured with handcuffs whose key was kept at the opposite end of the building.
DA national spokesperson on police Lisa Schickerling praised the police station’s Community Service Centre for its professional staff. Management highlighted a vehicle shortage, with only 21 of 40 allocated vehicles available for use, though testing kits remained in good supply.