FRESH START: The Pinetown Metro Police Station is undergoing a renovation

Picture By: JESSIE SINGH
Story By: SIHLE MANDA and VUYOLWETHU GWALA

The Pinetown Metro Police Station is set to close for a three-month renovation. The upgrade will include the addition of an Alcohol Evidence Centre equipped with the latest testing equipment and closed circuit TV cameras sponsored by the South African Breweries (SAB). When it reopens, the station will operate around the clock. In the past it closed at 10pm. Metro Police Deputy Head of Operations Titus Malaza said, “We want to eliminate the problem of drunken driving in Pinetown. This improved facility will help us to deal swiftly with motorists who drink and drive, putting other road users at risk.”

Metro Police spokesman Eugene Msomi said, “Policing in the area has not been compromised, as the despatching is done in the communication centre in Durban. “Once renovations are complete, the benefits will be great, as processing of drunken driving suspects will be done in the station.” While renovations are under way, officers from the station will report to the Queensburgh station, but will continue to patrol and respond to complaints in Pinetown. The new alcohol evidence centre will be the second of its kind in the Municipality. Malaza said the Metro Police were negotiating with SAB to have a third built in the Southern Region.

mandas@durban.co.za or gwalav@durban.gov.za