KWANONQABA NEWS - On a Monday morning, more than 20 individuals visit the KwaNonqaba Police Station for the purpose of obtaining a police clearance certificate.
These people, South African citizens as well as foreign nationals, are often job seekers. Other times they are sent by an employer.
A police clearance certificate confirms whether an individual has a criminal record or not, and is also available to those who require confirmation of their criminal status for emigration purposes, travel or employment abroad.
According to the KwaNonqaba Police Station's spokesperson, Warrant Officer Kappie Kapp, the applicants for a police clearance certificate often arrive at the station without the necessary documents, making an already lengthy process even lengthier.
"If an individual has the right documents, it can go much quicker," he says.
Members of the public who require a police clearance certificate need to bring their original ID or passport, as well as R85 in cash.
Asylum seekers need to obtain a verification certificate from the Department of Home Affairs first before heading to the KwaNonqaba Police Station.
Applicants will receive their police clearance certificate after two weeks.
Kapp emphasised that though the station deals with a heavy workload overall, its officials are more than willing to assist the community where they can.
On one such Monday morning, the station received 140 applicants. In that instance, other members of the KwaNonqaba Police jumped in to assist.
"If we don't do our jobs correctly, it can delay employment for these people. Every individual deserves that proper attention, because it is their livelihoods that are impacted," says Kapp.
Applications for a police clearance certificate may be completed at the KwaNonqaba Police Station on any day of the week.
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