Crime imbizo tackles thorny issues
Crime-related questions were answered and thorny issues discussed by the Vosloorus SAPS, sector forum and CPF during a crime imbizo at Vosloorus Civic Centre on Tuesday, February 13.
Vosloorus SAPS station commander Brig Themba Denge addressed people who came in their numbers to attend the imbizo, which was organised by the police. Katlehong acting station commander Col Nomthandeki Mthembu was also present at the imbizo.
Community members were given an opportunity to ask questions about the crimes affecting them in their township, and were encouraged to speak out about things that are worrying them with their local police station.
Among other things that the community raised as special concerns were house-breaking, hijacking as well as crime in local hostels.
Community member Thabo Mosea reflected a widely held belief when he said the reason why people from hostels who commit crime are not arrested is that the police are “friends” with the people from the hostels. “They are always seen drinking together after working hours,” said Mosea.
He said this is a serious issue for the community. “We are even afraid to report crime, because we fear for our own lives that police will sell us out to the dangerous criminals if we give out information.”
Denge said in response that community members “who know the criminals and are willing to work with the police” must phone him directly. “Even if they want to remain anonymous they must do so,” Denge said. “As long as the police are going to put behind bars all the criminals who are terrorising the lives of innocent people in Vosloorus and surrounding areas.”
He emphasised that the fight against crime is not an issue for the police alone but for the community as a whole. “We know that you know the criminals who are making your lives a living hell. They are your neighbours. We as the police do not know. We only need you to call and report to us, then we will react to the call.”
Denge said that, as for the police who are drinking with people after working hours, this issue would be addressed at the police station. “But community members must play their part, as they are equally guilty of corrupting the police. People themselves must stop inviting police for drinks.”
Community members asked the police to organise soldiers to raid the hostels and confiscate all the firearms there, as people are “playing with them like they are toys”. They also asked the police to investigate traditional healers as being are involved in some of the criminal activities.
