A community imbizo held at East Bank Hall on September 11 brought together community members and police commanders from the Alexandra, Bramley, and Sandringham areas to strategise on ways to combat rising crime.
At the gathering, it became evident that the local police stations are grappling with an increase in crime, which they attribute largely to excessive alcohol consumption and the proliferation of illegal alcohol vendors.
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Alexandra SAPS station commander Vusumuzi Ngubane urged Alex residents to collaborate with law enforcement to identify suspects, particularly in murder cases that frequently afflict the community.
He called for an end to confrontations with police officers working hard to maintain safety and security. “We need your assistance in finding the perpetrators of these heinous crimes, and we urge you to stop resisting our efforts,” Ngubane said, highlighting that illegal shebeens in Alexandra are a major contributor to the spike in crime, particularly sexual assaults.
Sandringham SAPS station commander Nkosana Mbhele painted a picture of law enforcement’s challenges.
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He remarked on the high number of common assault cases reported at his station, noting a concerning trend. “Victims often return to withdraw their complaints shortly after filing.
“Common assault is a serious offense and we urge the community to think carefully before retracting their statements. Such actions only enable the cycle of violence to continue,” Mbhele said.
Mbhele also voiced alarm over youth involvement in criminal activities, stating that older siblings tend to lead the younger generation astray. “We have noticed that even under 18s are being exposed to crime, and we must work together to end it.”
Gauteng Department of Community Safety central corridor director Nonhlanhla Dlamini expressed her feelings on the Alex community’s behavior towards the police. “Assaulting those who are here to protect you is unacceptable.”
Dlamini outlined several strategies they have implemented to combat crime in the area. “We have installed surveillance cameras along the N3 and London Road with advanced face and number plate recognition technology for the safety of the residents.
“We also brought drone technology but we are still waiting for them to be delivered. These drones will be able to assist us in places like Alexandra where environmental design is a problem making it difficult for us to reach other specific areas,” Dlamini said.
She added that they also have a panic button, which they will give to the elderly so they can use it to report crime.
Dlamini reiterated the importance of community involvement in policing efforts. “We need you to report criminal activities and support the police in maintaining peace. Every small action can make a difference,” she concluded.
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