Lack of policing leads to vigilantism
Last week, a Jukskei Park resident caught a smash and grabber at the William Nicol offramp and made a citizen's arrest.
And recently, Hout Bay informal settlement residents also took on criminals when, armed with spears, sjamboks and knives, they took to the streets to let criminals know that crime in the area would come to an end.
It seems South Africans have had enough, and instead of waiting for the police to come to their aid, they are taking matters into their own hands. Time and time again, we see regular citizens doing their bit to help make their community a better place.
Whether it is by joining the local Community Policing Forum, directing traffic at a problematic intersection, or assisting a homeless person in need of a job, residents are stepping in. Is this because of a lack of faith in government and the police force? These people need to be applauded for wanting to make a difference, for taking a stand and fighting for a country they believe in.
However, it is sad that it has reached this stage. It is sad that a resident feels the need to take action against a criminal because he does not believe the police will get there in time. It is sad that residents are forced to protest against crime in an area because the police don’t seem to be able to get the situation under control.
This is our country and it is wonderful that so many people care, but please care in a responsible and safe way. Don’t become vigilantes and do something you might regret.
While fighting against crime is good, and if you are able to safely apprehend a suspect and hand the person over to the police, you are welcome to do so. However, the fear is that at some point the red mist will descend when the need for justice overwhelms. Mob justice in South Africa is not uncommon and is never okay. It must never become the norm.
Our police force needs to take note of what residents feel they are being forced to do. It should never get to the point where citizens are doing the job police are paid to do, simply because they know if they don’t do something, nothing will happen.
Police need to wake up, in some cases, literally and start fighting with the same passion as these residents. Police officers need to be there so that citizens don’t end up being the ones fighting for a safe South Africa.
