Renovated holding cells bolster Howick’s policing capacity

The long-awaited renovation of holding cells at the Howick police station is said to have significantly improved policing capacity in the area, with the facility now able to accommodate up to 90 detainees.

The upgrades, led by the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, follow years of concern over the deteriorating state of the holding cells, which had been non-functional since before 2019.

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Public Works Minister Dean Macpherson, uMngeni Municipality Mayor Chris Pappas, and DA leader in KwaZulu-Natal Sithembiso Ngema conducted an oversight visit on Friday to inspect progress on the 12 refurbished holding cells.

The lack of functional cells had severely hampered local policing in the area, forcing officers to transport suspects to other stations, including Pietermaritzburg, to secure detention space.

Mayor Pappas said the situation had negatively affected crime-fighting efforts in the community.

For years, these holding cells were unusable, which began to impact policing and the ability to fight crime effectively.

“Through engagement with the minister and provincial officials, we escalated the matter to the national government, and we are now seeing real progress,” said Pappas.

Before the intervention, officers often spent hours, sometimes nearly an entire day transporting suspects to alternative facilities.

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This would leave fewer officers at the station to respond to calls in the area.

Captain Ronald Knipes, from the Howick police station, said the renovations have already improved morale among officers.

“There is now greater motivation among members because they know there is sufficient space to detain suspects. Previously, a simple arrest could take most of the day just to secure a holding cell,” he said.

Macpherson said restoring the facility was critical to ensuring police remain operational within their precinct.

“For a long time, officers were taken out of service for extended periods while trying to find space for detainees. Once this was brought to our attention, we prioritised it,” he said.

He added that the department used internal capacity, including its own workshops and staff, to fast-track the project.

“This approach allows us to respond quickly and avoid lengthy and costly procurement processes. It’s a clear example of how we can use internal resources effectively to deliver services,” said Macpherson.

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He said the restored cells are expected to strengthen law enforcement efforts and contribute to safer communities.

“There is now renewed energy among officers to act against crime, knowing they have the infrastructure to support their work,” he said.

Macpherson also acknowledged the role played by community stakeholders, including NGOs and community policing forums, in supporting the project.