Tension runs high at Edenvale police forum

“I won’t let my Youth Desk members be damaged mentally. They must go to school, work to improve Edenvale and fight crime. They must not be used.”

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This statement was made by Sergeant Jacob Mashile, head of the Edenvale SAPS Social Crime Prevention Unit as it kicked off July’s extensively interrupted Edenvale Community Police Forum meeting.

Mashile told the audience he had recently been approached by two political parties who asked if the Edenvale Youth Desk could get involved in ward committees.

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Ward 19 councillor Bill Rundle, told Mashile that ward committees in Edenvale are apolitical groups which hope to help the community.

Although Mashile said he understood Rundle’s response, he highlighted that the Youth Desk will only get involved in crime prevention campaigns.

“The SAPS does not entertain politics,” he said.

ECPF vice-chairperson, Prince Mathebula urged community members to work together in the interest of Edenvale.

“Until our children can play in the streets safely, we have a long way to go,” said Mathebula.

Head of Edenvale SAPS detectives, Lieutenant Colonel Sussan Mathebule said one of the successful convictions for July was the sentencing of a suspect related to a liquor store robbery in 2015.

The suspect was sentenced to 15 years in prison.

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Other convictions included theft and shoplifting.

In his report, Edenvale SAPS station commander Colonel Malesela Mapulane thanked the community for assisting the police in the fight against crime.

He said information received from the community and the ECPF had assisted with recent arrests. “If we work together we can fight crime,” said Mapulane.

Mapulane said that when he compared statistics to those of last year, it was evident that overall crime had decreased in Edenvale for July.

Some of the arrests contributing to July’s statistics include 21 for drug related crimes, 27 for drunk driving and six for the possession of an unlicensed firearm.

He said problem areas are Eastleigh, the Avenues and Highway Gardens.

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At the end of the meeting concerns regarding Linda McKenzie were raised.

The NEWS recently reported that she had announced she has taken leave of absence as chairperson of ECPF.

Mapulane again stepped in and urged community members to work together.

“We are fighting amongst ourselves – for nothing,” he said.

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