WESTERN CAPE NEWS - The walk-in centre of the Western Cape Police Ombudsman in Cape Town is once again operational. “Our offices are now fully PPE compliant and we are able to have face-to-face contact with our clients,” said ombudsman Johan Brand.

During the lockdown period, the office was only able to receive complaints telephonically or and electronically through e-mails and the website.

“However, we are now able to once again have face-to-face consultations with our clients. Essentially, this provides an opportunity for those who prefer lodging their complaints in person, or those who do not have access to e-mail and websites, with an opportunity to speak to an investigator face-to-face. We have found that 40% of our clients during the previous financial year have preferred lodging their complaints about police inefficiencies in this way,” said Brand.

Social distancing will be upheld and all clients will be subject to a Covid-19 questionnaire and a temperature check upon arrival. Only two clients will be allowed into the waiting area at a time and a “no mask, no entry” rule will apply.

The offices are open Mondays to Fridays from 07:30 to 15:30.