The state of Joburg’s public safety seems to be on an upward trajectory with crime decreasing and police visibility increasing.
This according to Public Safety MMC, Michael Sun, at his state of the public safety dinner on 27 June.
Sun said serious crime between January and March reduced by 15,28 per cent, compared to the lesser 13,13 per cent decrease from October to December last year.
He also said that there are still areas with a relatively high crime, especially where alcohol is involved or at crime hubs like hijacked buildings or public transport interchanges.
The non-adherence of by-laws remain a problem, Sun said. But he believes the additional 1 500 Metro police who are currently in training, will help with enforcement and better visible policing. Metro police chief David Tembe said there is a changing culture amongst Metro police officers and that corruption is booted out.
He praised the K9 Narcotics and Tactical Unit for their success since their re-establishment in 2016, He believes they are the best K9 unit in the country.
Emergency Management Services chief Mhlengi Makhubalo took the opportunity to appeal to communities to help keep firefighters and paramedics safe, concerned about the threats they face. A series of attacks on EMS personnel has made headlines since the start of the year.
He said installation of panic buttons and the implementation of defensive training has been a reaction to this.
We asked Joburgers whether they felt safe, and how safe, on a scale of zero to 10. Most felt it was somewhere in the middle, with fears still apparent.
How safe do YOU feel on a scale of zero to ten? Share your thoughts with us on our Facebook page or by emailing chantellef@caxton.co.za
