Restructuring the environment and the collaboration of Alexandra residents will be central to resolving most of the crime besetting the township.
This is according to recently appointed spokesperson Constable Simphiwe Mbatha. who replaced retired Captain Stephen Malatji in February.
Mbatha who was deployed to the station after his graduation from the police college in 2008 hails from Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal. “There is a need for a strategic anti-crime partnership with residents who live with some of the criminals and know what is happening in the community,” Mbatha said referring to the difficulty in policing the dense population occupying informal dwellings with impassable alleys.
His plea for the partnership was also echoed by the Station Commander Brigadier Lindiwe Magudulela on her assumption of duty last year. Magudulela lamented the difficulty in navigating narrow passages and problems faced by the police and ambulance services in accessing crime scenes and ferrying the injured to hospital.
Mbatha decried the congestion saying much as the police did their best, it was paramount for residents to be involved as they know the setting and neighbours of adjacent rooms in the overcrowded yards.
“They know who does what and should come forward with information on a crime that is committed around them.”
Also, he attributed the crime to illegal taverns. “They are outlawed but still operate, cause noise pollution, open till late, are crime havens and patrons fall victim to criminals when they leave such places.
“By-laws of the City should be made to sting in order to make Alex safe.”
He reaffirmed the station commander’s advice that those with complaints against any police misconduct should report to her on 082 375 7025.
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