Suspects in Kensington will no longer need to be transported out of the area, as newly refurbished holding cells at the local police station are now fully operational.
Police holding cells at Kensington Police Station have officially reopened, allowing suspects to be detained on site.
The 10 upgraded cells, refurbished at a cost of just over R2 million, were unveiled at a ribbon-cutting ceremony today.
In April last year, Ward 56 councillor Cheslyn Steenberg penned a letter to the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Police, stating that the cells had not been in service since 2022.
As a result, detainees are held at Maitland Police Station, about 5 km from the area
The refurbishment, included among other plumbing upgrades, fresh paint, replacement of burglar bars and repairs to gate locks.
All 10 holding cells were now operational — five for men, four for women and a dedicated cell for transgender detainees, explained station commander Lt Col Nkosinathi Losini.
“I am over the moon. This is a dream come true for me. When I arrived at the station, I wished it could be completed overnight, but unfortunately government processes take time.”
He said that not having functioning holding cells posed many threats.
“It has been a headache to leave the area and go to Maitland when we have arrests. It meant police members must leave the area unattended and go to Maitland to process an arrest. We had complaints from the community that they are waiting for a police van. Nobody understood when you tell them that a police van was in Maitland.”
Losini said gang-related shootings and violence in the area remain a challenge, but added that the completion of the holding cells “came at the right time”.
“This was not in our control, but we pushed through. The shootings are giving us sleepless nights.”
Losini expressed his gratitude to all role-players who helped make the project possible.
He said maintenance will be completed annually.
Brig Mkhuseli Nkwitshi, commander for Cape Town Subdistrict, commended the officers for their dedication.
“I want to congratulate the members, because in the period when there were no holding cells they didn’t have any escapes. Nor was there a decrease in the arrest rate. Thank you to the ward councillor, CPF and other safety structures for keeping police accountable.
“The cells are currently the best-looking within the city in terms of cleanliness and the durability. I want to express gratitude to Maitland Police Station for assisting to guard prisoners.”
Steenberg said under the leadership of station commander the station has “gone from strength to strength”.
“The community has complained and for the government has listened to the people and we thank you for that. Now that that the cells have been refurbished, we need to look at the maintenance of the broader building.”
Pastor Sam April, Kensington Community Policing Forum (CPF) chair, welcomed the completion of the project and said it is an answered prayer.
