The EMPD\u2019s vehicles which were sent for repairs, last year, by the metro have not yet been collected due to non-payment, according to the DA.<\/p>\n
It is alleged by the DA that the metro owes dealerships millions of Rands for the repairs carried out on the vehicles and they failed to make payment within the 30-day period stipulated by the dealerships.<\/p>
According to the DA Gauteng spokesperson on community safety, Michelle Clarke, the EMPD is understaffed and under-resourced and the lack of vehicles puts a further dent in their ability to operate effectively and efficiently.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe safety of Ekurhuleni residents is now under threat as there are fewer metro police officers on the roads to enforce traffic laws and by-laws,\u201d she said.<\/p>
The DA raised questions in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature to determine the total number of vehicles that have not been released, why service providers have not been paid, who the service providers are and the amount of money still owed to each?<\/p>\n
They have further vowed to continue putting pressure on the Gauteng Department of Community Safety MEC, Sizakele Nkosi-Malobane and Gauteng Premier, David Makhura to ensure that service providers are paid so the vehicles can be released.<\/p>\n
The GCN approached the metro for comment and Themba Gadebe, the spokesperson and senior media manager said, \u201cThe EMPD operates with a fleet in excess of 1 800, from which only 37 vehicles have not been returned.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe vehicles were sent in for routine repairs and maintenance and the total money outstanding is R1 387 881-million.\u201d<\/p>\n
Addressing the question on why the money had not been paid he said, \u201cThe department is currently in the process of conducting investigations to establish the reasons for the delay.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe matter is being given urgent attention by the fleet department.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe department is also prioritising the outstanding payments backlog.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
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