Cops deny 10111 down for 36hrs
2010-05-18
15:21
Durban - KwaZulu-Natal police on Tuesday rejected reports that the Durban Central Police Station’s emergency lines were down for 36 hours over the weekend after the control-room was flooded.
Lieutenant Colonel Vincent Mdunge confirmed that a water tank on the 16th floor burst, but denied that the emergency line was affected.
"Members working in the control-room were moved to another office. The 10111 number works 24 hours a day," he said.
"We were able to connect with complaints from members of the public. The radio control was working."
On Tuesday, the Democratic Alliance's community safety spokesperson Sizwe Mchunu called for an investigation of back-up options at the station after reports that the emergency lines were down for 36 hours.
"When people phone 10111, it is usually a matter of life and death," he said in a statement.
"We urge authorities to seek alternatives in terms of a back-up system, so that this service is uninterrupted and calls can be diverted in the event of unforeseen problems."
He also said research should be done on international 911 and 999 call centre back-up models.
"It is simply unacceptable that this life-line be cut off for any period of time," said Mchunu.
- SAPA
http://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/Cops-deny-10111-down-for-36hrs-20100518
