The DA in the Western Cape has taken a decisive step to address the operational challenges faced by the beleaguered Maitland 10111 Command Centre. In a direct appeal to Provincial Police Commissioner, Lt. Gen. Thembisile Patekile, the party has highlighted an urgent need for increased staffing and resources at the nerve centre of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Cape Town Metropole and surrounding regions.
Functioning as a crucial lifeline for citizens in distress, the Maitland Command Centre serves 72 police stations, including prominent areas such as Stellenbosch and Franschhoek.
It said that recent statistics reveal alarming operational shortcomings.
“In December 2024 alone, the centre received an astonishing 105,614 telephone calls but managed to handle only 87,321. A staggering 18,293 were abandoned, raising concerns over response effectiveness in an era where timely police intervention is paramount.
“January 2025 continued this trend, with busy periods revealing significant strains. The first week saw 24,917 calls, of which 20,741 were responded to—a commendable effort stubbornly overshadowed by 4,176 abandoned calls. As the month progressed, the centre answered 16,133 and 13,576 calls during its second and third weeks, respectively, underscoring inconsistent call management during peak times.
Nicholas Gotsell, a member of the select committee for security and justice said despite recent promises of additional personnel, the situation remains dire.
“The command centre has not yet seen the arrival of 13 promised new team members, leaving an overworked team with a maximum of only eight call takers on duty at any given 12-hour shift.
“Our local heroes, as the DA referred to the staff, endure daily challenges, including perilous travel from across the Peninsula in the early hours, often with inadequate transport support—a stark contrast to other Command Centres within the SAPS.
Gotsell said the risks for personnel working in such conditions cannot be overstated. Workers commute from high-crime areas like Mfuleni, where a chilling reminder of the dangers surfaced when a police officer was recently robbed and shot.
“The lack of transport, recognition, and professional development opportunities has led to a discouraging atmosphere within the Command Centre, where seasoned members feel utterly overlooked despite their invaluable contributions to public safety.
“As the DA articulately pointed out, 10111 is the heartbeat of our Police Services; it needs oxygen to pump blood to its various arteries.”
The call for immediate action by Lt. Gen. Patekile includes a request to establish proper seating arrangements for the staff and to prioritise their overall wellness amidst pressing operational needs.
The implications of these systemic issues extend beyond operational statistics; they resonate deeply in the core of community safety.
“As the population increasingly relies on the 10111 hotline, a rejuvenated, adequately resourced Command Centre becomes essential for effective policing. The DA’s urgency serves as a glaring reminder that every moment counts in the fight against crime, stressing the importance of a responsive and well-equipped police service,” said Gotsell.