IN order to ensure effective, efficient and improved services to the community, the South African Police Service is constantly formulating guidelines and procedures to improve client satisfaction.
Police in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) would like to inform the community of the latest mechanism in place relating to feedback after opening cases at police stations.
According to police spokesperson, Col. Priscilla Naidu, SMSs will be sent to the complainant, providing progress relating to their respective case.
Once a case is opened, the complainant will receive an SMS with a case number.
Thereafter, step-by-step progress (to court, outcome of case with court verdict if any, arrest of suspect, etc.) will be communicated through an SMS.
“Complainants are advised that when they receive an SMS informing them of progress, for example, the date of the appearance of the suspect at court, they should not automatically assume that they are required in court on that particular day to give evidence,” Naidu explained.
“It has been noticed that some complainants go to court after receiving an SMS of a suspect’s court appearance. Sometimes complainants do not reside within the court’s jurisdiction and therefore incur unnecessary costs to themselves.
“If any person is required at court, including the complainant, a subpoena will be personally served by the investigating officer to the complainant to attend court,” she said.
“The police in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro reiterate their commitment through service excellence and Batho Pele as we strive to serve all citizens with dignity, pride and professionalism.”
