Community warned against withdrawing charges
The MEC also introduced the Gauteng E-Panic Button mobile security app.
Kwa-Thema – Gauteng MEC for Community Safety Faith Mazibuko hosted a crime imbizo at Kwa-Thema Skills School on Thursday evening.
“We will not win the fight against crime if we continue to protect the criminals that live among us.
“Some of you are harbouring known criminals. Others are happy to receive rent from them regardless of how they make money,” exclaimed Mazibuko.
She challenged the community to not make exceptions when dealing with crime. Kwa-Thema SAPS station commander Lieutenant Colonel Nhlanhla Kunene shared the same sentiments.
“We have people coming in to withdraw charges while we are investigating cases. In most cases, their reasons for withdrawing charges are based on what the suspect can offer the family.
“I won’t make it easy for you to do that. How will we get criminals behind bars when you prevent us from doing our job?” asked Kunene.
He said although cases of GBV are still problematic, the area has seen a significant decrease in hijackings in the first quarter of the year.
He also mentioned house robberies are a thorn in the flesh. Kunene also challenged the community to work with the police anonymously if they fear being victimised.
“All we want is information while we are investigating or tip-offs when crimes are being committed,” he added.
Mazibuko also informed the community they have roped in CCTV and drones to assist in crime prevention.
“The CCTV will have facial recognition technology, which will help us to track wanted suspects, and drones are our eyes in the sky.
“We may not be in a certain place at a specific time, but a drone can be there and capture what is going on,” she said.
The MEC also introduced the Gauteng E-Panic Button mobile security app.
The app is available on Google Play or App Store.
