The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in the Free State, Lt Gen Baile Motswenyane informs the public that Bethlehem and Batho Police Stations are now fully operational. The public can now access services at these stations.
The stations were temporarily closed after there were members who tested positive for COVID-19. All health protocols have since been followed and the affected members has been quarantined or isolated accordingly.
Bethlehem started operating again on Wednesday; 20 May 2020 while Batho opened its doors on Monday; 25 May 2020.
The management of SAPS in the province provisionally closed the stations so that the facilities can be decontaminated. All these processes were done through the advice and guidance of the Department of Health officials.
Primary and secondary contacts of the positive members were also tested and are back at work after they received their results and those who are still awaiting results are currently in self-isolation pending the outcome of their results.
Lt Gen Motswenyane expressed her gratitude to the various stakeholders who opened their doors and allowed the police to utilise their facilities as temporary police stations. “I appreciate the unwavering good gesture which was displayed by these stakeholders in providing us with a space to render services at their respective facilities. Your understanding did not go unnoticed and on behalf of the police, I say thank you. We will definitely need help in other parts of the Province should it become necessary to close other police stations due to members becoming affected by the virus. Our members are on the forefront and are susceptible to contracting the virus”, said General Motswenyane
She also thanked the community for their patience and assured them that policing in the province will not be hampered. “Closing of the station/s for decontamination is in line with the government’s guidelines to manage and control the spread of COVID-19. We urge the community members to be patient with us and can assure them that there are contingency plans in place to ensure that policing in their communities continues during these difficult times”, she said.
She also thanked the SAPS members and employees for their commitment during this challenging time and encouraged them to take precautions to be safe at all times. “The management of the SAPS would like to thank you for your unwavering commitment in serving and protecting the people of the Free State. Protecting yourselves while you serve and protect others is our utmost priority”, she added.
She concluded by thanking the media for their relentless efforts to inform the community members.

Source: South African Police Service