A critical shortage of qualified mechanics at South African Police Service (SAPS) garages in Gauteng is severely hindering police visibility and the ability to combat crime effectively, according to the Democratic Alliance (DA). The party has raised alarms over delays in vehicle repairs, which they say are directly impacting law enforcement efforts across the province.

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In a recent written reply to the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, Premier Panyaza Lesufi revealed that 110 mechanic positions remain vacant in SAPS workshops. Out of 372 posts intended for the maintenance of police vehicles, only 262 have been filled—leaving nearly a third unoccupied.

Delayed Repairs, Diminished Patrols

DA Gauteng shadow MEC for Community Safety, Crezane Bosch, said the staffing crisis has led to excessive delays in repairing damaged or malfunctioning police vehicles. Some vehicles have been sitting idle in SAPS garages for up to a year, rendering them unavailable to police stations already struggling with limited resources.

“This situation results in a chronic shortage of operational vehicles on the ground,” Bosch said. “Without adequate transport, police presence is reduced, and crime-fighting efforts are severely compromised, putting our communities at greater risk.”

Neglecting Basic Services While Promising High-Tech Solutions

Bosch also criticised the Gauteng government’s prioritisation, accusing the Lesufi administration of focusing on futuristic security initiatives—such as intelligent number plates—while failing to ensure that basic policing infrastructure is maintained.

“It’s unacceptable that the government cannot handle foundational issues like vehicle repairs,” Bosch said. “Communities need reliable, visible policing—not promises of technology while officers have no means to respond to emergencies.”

Unemployment and Missed Opportunities

The DA further noted that the vacancies could have provided employment opportunities to many qualified but jobless individuals. Bosch argued that the failure to fill these posts reflects a broader negligence toward both public safety and economic development.

“There is no valid excuse for leaving such essential positions unadvertised when thousands of trained mechanics are unemployed,” she added. “A DA-led government would have prioritised these roles, boosting both public safety and job creation.”

Call for Immediate Action

The DA has called for urgent intervention to fill the remaining vacancies and restore the operational capacity of SAPS workshops. Bosch stressed that only a fully functioning police force—with adequate vehicles and support—can ensure the safety of Gauteng residents.

“The people of Gauteng deserve better. They need a government that gets the basics right before selling them dreams of a high-tech future,” she said.

The ongoing vehicle repair delays have sparked growing concern that unless addressed swiftly, Gauteng’s fight against crime will remain severely weakened.