The Gauteng MEC for Community Safety, Faith Mazibuko, visited the Ivory Park community on 3 October as part of a campaign called ‘Take Charge’, to engage with residents about the high level of crime and how crime in the area can be fought.
Various members of the community were present including councillor Julia Gololo of Ward 133, Makgoba Pagadi from Ward 80, Raisibe Matsimela from Ward 111, Lesibana Lamola from Ward 110, Thomas Maluleka from Ward 79 and General Vincent Leshabane of the Ekhuruleni North Cluster.
Before the meeting, the MEC did a walkabout accompanied by some of the community members, police and councillors around the community.
Mazibuko said that because Ivory Park was listed as one of the major contributors of crime around Gauteng, a need occurred for something to be done and engaging with the community was key.
“Crime stats reflect that Ivory Park crime levels are not subsiding especially when looking at violent crimes, such as gender-based violent crimes and house robberies.
“Therefore we need to engage with the communities, make them aware that it is within their interests and within their hands to be able to take charge and to help each other to fight crime, and not just rely on the police when one is in difficult situations.”
Community members in and around Ivory Park and surrounding areas raised many concerns. Some of their concerns included that police stations are not doing anything to help fight crime and they do not follow up on cases.
Community members further added that when they go and report cases they are not assisted properly and that when they become whistleblowers nothing gets done, thus putting their lives in danger.
When addressing claims made by community members, Leshabane said that he does not want to hear anything about police not following up on cases reported by residents.
“It has been reported to me that there are corrupt officers and I should keep my eyes on this and that police officer.”
Leshabane added, “We are busy with investigations and once we get proper evidence we will deal with them.”
At the end of the meeting, MEC Mazibuko concluded by urging all community members to contact her on 066 005 5801 and send all their case numbers were not followed upon. She also said that all police cars should be branded immediately.
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