Almost half of the operational officers at Rabosotho Police Station in Tembisa have expired firearm competency certificates.

Figures compiled by the South African Police Service show that 130 of the station’s 281 operational members are affected.

This means about 46% of the officers deployed to conduct patrols, prevent crime and respond to complaints have certificates that need to be renewed.

A further three members are not authorised to carry firearms.

The information was contained in a SAPS report dated 9 July and was released through the Gauteng provincial government after written questions from opposition representatives.

Dozens still need operational training

The report also revealed that 92 members still require mandatory operational training.

That represents nearly a third of the station’s operational workforce.

DA Tembisa South constituency head Refiloe Nt’sekhe said officers are often required to make life-or-death decisions under intense pressure.

She said regular competency assessments were needed to ensure officers could handle service firearms safely and responsibly.

Operational training also helps officers respond to violent crime and make effective tactical decisions, she added.

Station serves a high-crime area

The shortcomings have raised concerns because Rabosotho Police Station operates in an area affected by serious and violent crime.

The station recorded 780 contact crimes between January and March 2026.

During the first quarter, it ranked sixth nationally for aggravated robbery, 14th for carjacking and 20th for kidnapping.

Despite its training and competency challenges, the station ranked 24th among police stations that detected crimes through police action.

Renewals are legally required

Firearm competency certificates must be renewed in line with the Firearms Control Act and the relevant licensing requirements.

SAPS provides a formal process for officers and other certificate holders to apply for renewal.

The figures have prompted calls for the police service to urgently complete outstanding training and renew the expired certificates.

No timeline was provided in the supplied report for when the affected officers would complete the process.

The findings have placed fresh attention on whether Rabosotho Police Station has the resources and properly trained personnel needed to serve the Tembisa community safely.