The Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (Popcru) has commended emergency services and law enforcement agencies for their swift response to a gas explosion close to the SAPS Tshwane Training Academy.
According to IOL, National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola ordered the evacuation of more than 2 500 police trainees following the gas pipeline explosion in the City of Tshwane on Wednesday.
Spokesperson for the national police, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, said the blast occurred at a business site adjacent to the SAPS Tshwane Training Academy.
“The decision to to evacuate the trainees, SAPS trainers and members from various specialised units, including the Natjoints Coordination Centre (NCC), was taken following advice and consultation from experts... who are currently on site,” said Mathe.
Reacting to the successful evacuation, Popcru spokesperson Richard Mamabolo commended the work of all who were involved in the operation.
In a statement on Wednesday, Popcru said: “The Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union has learned of a gas pipeline explosion at an adjacent business site near the SAPS Tshwane Training Academy, which took place this afternoon.
“To this extent, around 2 500 trainees at the training academy have immediately been evacuated, and as a union we welcome the swift response by the National Police Commissioner in ensuring their safety .”
According to Mathe, General Masemola said the safety of its police trainees and members was a priority.
“It should be noted that the training academy is not affected and that the evacuation process is a precautionary measure by management.”
Mathe added that an operational centre comprising various experts had been established at the venue under the command of Deputy National Commissioner for policing, Lieutenant-General Tebello Mosikili.
The Star