DA protests against crime
JOBURG - The increase in crime in the Jeppestown, Doornfontein and Joburg CBD areas led the Democratic Alliance (DA) to hold a silent march to Jeppe Police Station to hand over their demands to the station commander.
The protest was led by the party’s Member of Parliament Dr Heinrich Volmink, together with councillors Percy Koji and Bongani Nkwanyana. Speaking to the protesters Nkwanyana said, “We have gathered here today to show our unhappiness with the lack of police visibility in wards 61 and 123. We propose that police capacitate and channel more resources in preventing crime in our area.”
Among their demands were that police needed to act on information they received about drug dealing and many other criminal activities in the area.
Nkwanyana added that the dilapidated buildings in the Johannesburg CBD, Doornfontein and surrounding areas were not well patrolled and were home to criminals.
“We also need the reintroduction of the specialised narcotics and organised crime units to combat drug dealing, lolly lounges [prostitution houses] and other organised crime activities,” Nkwanyana said.
Koji said the DA wanted to encourage people to work closely with the police in an effort to curb crime in the area. “Police lack resources which makes their lives difficult in fighting crime,” he added.
“We need government to employ more police and provide all necessary resources so police can do their work.”
Volmink concluded, “We need to take our streets back. We need more police visibility. We believe in freedom and there is no freedom if people live in fear of criminals.”
