CPF blames illegal mining for increased murder rate in Primrose
"CPF patrollers are not mandated to handle domestic violence cases, so therefore when we are called to a domestic violence incident, we will immediately call SAPS to intervene and assist." - CPF chairperson Tracy Enslin.
Activities related to illegal mining in Primrose have been blamed for a rise in the murder rate.
Primrose CPF Sector Three hosted a community meeting at Sunnyridge Primary School on September 30 when CPF chairperson Tracy Enslin provided statistics on crime in Primrose.
Concerns in Primrose revolved around the rising murder rate, drinking in public and other serious crimes.
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“Zama zamas and shootings in the Primrose informal settlements make up the majority of murder cases,” said Enslin.
“Street robberies, hijackings and house burglaries are also on the rise. There have been reports of people shooting at each other mostly on weekends.
“Residents have reported to have found bullets in their yards. These people are suspected to be illegal miners.”
She added that domestic violence cases are also on the rise in Primrose, with more reports coming through.
“If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence you can go to the courts to get a protection order without opening a case at a police station. The court is in Hardach Street, Germiston.
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“CPF patrollers are not mandated to handle domestic violence cases, so therefore, when we are called to a domestic violence incident, we will immediately call SAPS to intervene and assist,” she said.
“Drinking in public is another concern and the SAPS, EMPD, CPF and the Liquor Board are addressing it in Primrose. These parties had a meeting with liquor outlet owners on September 27 to address the problem.
“The CPF is monitoring the problem and we are educating liquor outlet owners and the customers about the laws of drinking in public,” said Enslin.
Vispol police commander Captain Phuti Lamola from Primrose SAPS addressed the community.
He informed the residents that the SAPS shares the community’s worries about zama zama problems and that they are doing everything in their power to ensure safety.
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They are also working at removing these illegal miners from Primrose, adding that the district and local SAPS operations are ongoing.
He also explained to the community that when residents call 10111 for assistance, they are given a reference number and the call gets monitored.
“Should SAPS take too long to respond, the residents can hold them accountable,” said Lamola.
The next CPF community meeting will be at the end of January 2024.
