- A fire destroyed container offices at Nondweni Police Station in Nquthu but officers say they are happy the building burnt.
- Officers complained that the old station had no toilets or air conditioning and was a home for many dangerous snakes.
Police officers in Nquthu say a fire that destroyed their station is a blessing. The Nondweni Police Station was made of three old containers that were in very poor condition.
Sources said that the containers were in such a bad state that snakes lived inside them. They have wanted the station rebuilt for many years but no one helped them.
The fire burnt all the offices beyond recognition. Only one container that held case files was not destroyed. Officers think an electricity problem might have started the fire.
The KwaZulu-Natal premier recently visited the station. He said he was shocked to see the horrible state of the building where police had to work.
Officers said former police minister Bheki Cele also knew about the poor conditions but did nothing to change them. The station had no toilets and no air conditioning.
They hope that the return of police commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi will now change the situation. They said the container station was a horrible place to work.
The officers said they have been crying for years for a new building. They believe the fire will finally force the government to build a proper police station.
Police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said police were not aware of the fire. He asked for an email to be sent to the media centre to find out more.
An email was sent to the media centre but the police did not respond before the story was finished. The station was based in Nquthu.
Pictured above: The Nondweni Police Station was burnt beyond recognition in Nquthu.
Image source: Supplied
