By Mapaballo Borotho

- At least 92 officers at Rabasotho Police Station in Tembisa reportedly do not have firearm competency certificates.
- The DA says the situation raises concerns about operational readiness at a station serving a crime-affected community.
- Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi revealed the figures in response to questions in the Provincial Legislature.
At least 92 police officers from the Rabasotho Police Station in Tembisa, Ekurhuleni, do not have firearm competency certificates, while 130 officers reportedly have expired certificates.
The situation has raised concerns about the operational readiness of officers responsible for protecting the public in the crime-affected area.
The information was revealed by Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi in a written reply to questions from the Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Provincial Legislature.
“130 Rabasotho police officers have expired firearm competency certificates. The figures raise concerns about operational readiness at the crime-hit Tembisa police station,” said Refiloe Nt’sekhe, DA Constituency Head of Tembisa South.
“Lesufi said Rabasotho Police Station has 281 operational members. Of these, 189 have completed firearm competency assessments, while 130 members possess expired firearm competency certificates, and 92 members still require mandatory operational training,” she added.
Of the officers stationed at Rabasotho Police Station, three are reportedly not authorised to carry firearms.
The station serves an area that has experienced violent crimes, including robberies.
Nt’sekhe said the figures are concerning as they could potentially compromise public safety and policing effectiveness at the station.
“The people of Tembisa deserve a police service that is operationally ready, professionally equipped, and capable of restoring safety in this crime-ridden area,” she said
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