Mavimbela community unites to fight crime in Katlehong

The residents of Mavimbela held a meeting to voice their concerns about crime in their area at Mavimbela Sports Ground, Katlehong, on March 5.

The meeting was attended by the station commander of Katlehong South SAPS, Brig Albertina Vesi, head of crime prevention Col Erasmus, detective crime office coordinator Capt Zama, communications officer Capt Ndobe, sector manager Sgt Senoa, CPF deputy chairperson Bishop Sibeko, youth crime-prevention desk and CPF secretary Maphuti, and the ward councillor.

Ndobe said the community of Mavimbela expressed its concerns about violent crimes of nyaope boys stealing from and abusing their parents, and murder, which usually occurs when people come from the taverns at night.
They also complained about the alleged corruption of police officers and poor investigation.

Although the community was angry about the alleged poor service from the police, the station commander responded professionally, Ndobe explained.

“They were given an open-door policing, whereby some concerns would be given a priority in terms of follow-ups, where case numbers were submitted,” said Ndobe.

Vesi told residents they were the eyes and ears of the police, as without the community, there would be no police.

“Resident should work with the police by giving them information, forming structures, such as a neighbourhood watch, street committees and patrollers. The structures would be headed by the CPF.

“Continue reporting cases, so that police can identify hotspot areas, and add police visibility around those areas,” Vesi continued.

She urged the community to report corruption by police officers.

Ndobe said the meeting had a good outcome as the community promised to work together with the police, and had arranged for a follow-up meeting to join community patrollers.