Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by Cllr Doreen Wessels and Sesotho soundbite by Cllr Kabelo Moreeng.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Phumelela Local Municipality will take immediate action to secure enhanced police visibility and accountability in Warden, beginning with urgent engagements with senior SAPS leadership and the Free State MEC for Community Safety, Jabu Mbalula, to demand a full report on the operational policing plan and resource allocation for Warden.
We are gravely concerned by the severe escalation of serious and violent commercial crime in Warden, which poses an immediate threat to both public safety and the local economy.
This concern comes in the wake of the armed robbery of the second PUMA franchise garage on Monday, 17 November 2025. This incident tragically resulted in the store owner being shot and injured.
This violent attack follows a similar robbery at the USave outlet barely a month ago, during which gunshots were also discharged. The recurrence of these brazen acts, particularly the repeated use of firearms in the central business district, highlights a disturbing and unacceptable trend of lawlessness.
Shoppers and employees are being placed in direct danger, with their lives now having been permanently impacted by injury. The primary factor enabling these violent syndicates appears to be the acute lack of visible policing in Warden.
Reports from concerned residents attest that no South African Police Service (SAPS) vehicles were evident in the area on the day of the latest robbery. Ballid Security consistently provides the only visible security presence.
This systemic lack of police presence not only encourages major robberies but also allows smaller criminal activities, such as petty theft and public alcohol consumption, to proliferate, thus fostering an environment conducive to more serious offences.
The continued targeting of vital commercial sites, coupled with the violence involved, has profound implications for the economic stability of Warden, a town already facing significant challenges.
The risk of deterring investment and forcing existing businesses to close down due to a lack of safety is substantial. The SAPS’s failure to maintain a responsive presence is directly contributing to this crisis.
Furthermore, the DA will ensure a dedicated follow-up with the local Station Commander to demand the immediate implementation of structured, high-visibility patrols and the establishment of measurable key performance indicators to track and ensure consistent police visibility.
The community deserves decisive, accountable action from law enforcement to restore safety and confidence in Warden.