Minister Macpherson Moves to Reclaim Illegally Occupied Carletonville Police Station
Article by Maanea Maselesele, Pictures by Caroline Mokothedi
10 April 2026
Departmental officials from the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, whose name have come out at Minister's site visit, will be dealt with harshly. This has emerged at the Minister's Operation Bring Back (OBB) visit at a hijacked and vandalized SAPS site in Carletonville in Gauteng.
Minister Macpherson visited the site which was originally vacated in 2008 when a sinkhole developed at the Police station with the understanding that it would be fixed. But what subsequently happened is now a matter of suspicion and confusion of what could have happened to the refurbishments that were expected to happen. Minister Macpherson called for an investigation which will determine what needs to happen to this dilapidated site.
The Carletonville Old Police Station precinct and surrounding state-owned properties form part of a cluster of assets historically utilised by the South African Police Service. A total of eight properties within the precinct were inspected and assessed as part of the ongoing property review process. These include buildings located along Ada Street, South Street, and Oranje Street in Carletonville.
The assessment identified several key issues affecting the properties, including:
The Minister noted that the Department would pursue the necessary interventions to secure the property and ensure its restoration for lawful public use. He further indicated that the Department would explore appropriate options for disposal, lawful eviction, and redevelopment for productive and income-generating purposes.
He reaffirmed government’s commitment to safeguarding state assets and restoring order where public infrastructure has been compromised. The Minister also called for the immediate fencing of the vandalised police station to curb further vandalism and reduce the risk of potential incidents.