Eden Park community against crime

EDEN PARK – Gauteng officials from the Department of Community Safety conducted the road show in an attempt to educate the community on safety issues.

One of the issues discussed was mob justice. Advocate Rose Malatsi from the National Prosecuting Authority urged residents to refrain from taking the law into their own hands.

“As a member of the criminal justice system cluster, I urge community members to stop mob justice. This is in conflict with the laws of the country and thus tampers with justice system process,” said Malatsi.

She also mentioned that cases are often struck from the court roll due to a lack of witnesses and leads. She used this as an example to encourage community members to come forward with any information they may have about criminals and criminal acts taking place in their respective community.

“We often hear of the community complaining about perpetrators being released after a day, and then blame this on police. The police can only do so much and then the justice process through the courts takes over, wherein in the magistrate will decides whether the person is guilty or not. We must also bear in mind that suspects also have rights, one being the right to bail, hence you will see perpetrators on the streets a day after they were arrested.”

Warrant Officer Walter Mpongose then spoke about the importance of community mobilisation and intelligence. “Crime affects all of us, therefor there must be a good working relations between us (SAPS) and the community,” he said.

He also added that SAPS rely on the community to give information about what is happening around them, in an attempt to fight crime.

“Community participation is no longer a choice for safer communities, but rather key in the fight against any form of criminality. I know that you know these criminals. We can no longer turn a blind eye, if it does not happen to you today, it might happen tomorrow. Let us join hands and stop crime before you become a victim,” said Mpungose.