By Busi Vilakazi
After months of frustrations with by-law infringements in ward 66, a public meeting was held at the Kensington Community Centre in Rhodes Park on September 23.
The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the lack of support from metro police in ward 66.
The ward has been experiencing a number of by-law infringements. Ward 66 councillor Carlos Da Rocha said the metro police have not been assisting in attending to the problems.
One of the major issues discussed was the level of noise pollution in the area caused by illegal taverns and bars.
“We will look into the matter because sometimes we come into the area and there is no noise at that time.
“We don’t have enough personnel in one shift. Keep in mind that we are not well resourced,” said Joburg Metro police deputy director Richard Witte.
“Residents must acknowledge the good that metro police are doing in the area. We are committed to serving the community. It does not help anyone to write negatively about the JMPD on social media.
“Region F is big and sometimes we might not be able to come because of reasons, but let’s help each other to find solutions. We acknowledge our shortfalls and we are willing to improve on them,” he said.
He committed himself to looking into the problems of by-law infringement in the area and trying to deal with them.
According to residents, the call centre does not pick up calls or give reference numbers sometimes. They wanted to know where to report the matter.
“If residents receive no help from the call centre they can call the alternative number, but it has to be for emergencies, 375 5911, or call me directly,” said Witte.
Da Rocha said he was pleased with the turn-out at the meeting.
“It was a successful meeting. I would like to thank my residents for attending and supporting this meeting. If we work together we can make a difference,” said Da Rocha.
He said this meeting needed to happen for metro police to understand the seriousness of the problems of ward 66.
“The purpose of the meeting was to paint a picture for JMPD to enable them to understand that the residents have had enough. As a councillor, I cannot put my life in danger because the law is failing the community. We cannot sit and watch our suburb being turned into a jungle. This is a residential area and we should treat it as such and respect the residents,” said Da Rocha.
MMC of Public Safety Micheal Sun was also present at the meeting.
Contact Witte on 082 559 3833 or 011 490 1575 or email richardwit@joburg.org.za
Contact the call centre on 011 758 9622 or 375 5911.
