“Are they really for policing or for rides home?”: Lenasia South residents react as SAPS receives two new vehicles

“Two vans to go do shopping,” Sharif Jasmith, commented on a Facebook post published by GLOBE POST.

The recent arrival of two brand-new police vehicles at the Lenasia South station has sparked mixed reactions among residents, with many questioning whether the vehicles will genuinely improve service delivery or simply become another source of frustration.

Station Commander, Col Priscilla Xaba confirmed that the vehicles were received to strengthen policing and enhance service delivery within the community.

However, residents raised concerns about accessibility and response times. “They always say no cars while busy escorting their kids to school sometimes the use to buy lunch,” said Gazza Nation.

Several residents pointed out that while extra transport sounds positive on paper, actual availability and purpose remain unclear. Victor Shabally, commented: “Yes, go shopping, take kids to school – but when you call the station there’s no vans.”

Some residents claimed that police vehicles are often seen parked at officers’ homes after hours, questioning whether the new additions would face the same fate.

Khanya Khanya, said a Facebook post published by GLOBE POST: “Let’s see, hope they will serve their purpose – not driving family members from point A to B and dropping and picking kids from school as they are doing.”

Many residents said they hoped the vehicles would be used to boost visible policing, crime prevention and emergency response, rather than being repurposed for personal errands or family transport – a perception that has dogged perceptions of police resources in other parts of the country.

Irvin Ndlovu said: “Try call the police station and see if the number goes through.”

Caption: Lenasia South SAPS Station Commander, Col Xaba, welcomes two new police vehicles.