Ekurhuleni mayor Clr Mondli Gungubele made this statement when he met with the Benoni Community Policing Forum (CPF) on December 2, in the Benoni Council Chambers.
Reza Patel organised the crime-focused meeting to “build bridges” and “networks”, after he was recently elected to the position of Benoni CPF cluster chairperson.
“Order must be the property of the community first; police are there to maintain an order, but order must belong to the community,” said Gungubele.
“The first thing criminals must fear is the community – and, when they see the police, they must know that these are the agents of the community.
“So, when they respect the police, they respect them because they know the community gives them no choice.”
The mayor said the EMPD will work to reduce crime within communities and will be more visible.
However, he added, police visibility is a symptomatic treatment in our “unhealthy society”.
Benoni SAPS acting cluster commander Brig Poobalan Subbiah said communities can play an active role in fighting crime.
“Information and communication are key to policing, hence, the quicker such is provided, the greater the chances of arrest of suspects,” he explained.
“We sincerely need maximum control over our area regarding the behaviour of individuals who seem to be involved in crime.
“Partnerships with the CPFs and law enforcement are a must in addressing crime and general safety.”
Meanwhile, Gungubele said, the community must place pressure on the municipality when services aren’t rendered.
“You are the citizens of Ekurhuleni, you must pester us,” he added.
“It’s going to be painful, we want to sleep in our homes, we want to believe we are doing good every day, so we won’t be happy when you are telling us we’re useless, but keep on telling us we are when we’re useless – that is what you should do.”
He said the municipality will strongly consider installing CCTV cameras around Benoni to deter criminals.
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