Rape and crime in the spotlight
Child rape in the eMalahleni policing precinct was of a huge concern and the police were working hard to bring perpetrators to book.
MEC for community safety and security and liaison, Mr Vusi Shongwe, raised serious concerns regarding the increasing incidence of rape and murder that is giving residents of eMalahleni sleepless nights.
This was revealed during the recent public participation programme held by the department. Most residents indicated they were no longer coping as they were experiencing such incidents more fequently and called on the police to work tirelessly to bring the perpetrators to book so that women and children could feel free and safe in their communities.
Residents also complained that suspects of crime were apprehended by the police, but later seen roaming the streets. This, they say, does not augur well for victims of crime, as it suggests that the police are not doing their work properly.
During the gathering, some raised concerns about the unavailability of addresses for the informal settlements and this undermines the police’s ability to respond timeously and adequately to crime scenes.
Since crime was the main challenge that was raised, responding to the outcry of the community, Maj Gen Elias Dlamini said, “In most cases women and children are sexually assaulted by people who are known to them and their families.”
Child rape in the eMalahleni policing precinct was of a huge concern and the police were working hard to bring perpetrators to book.
Shongwe urged community members to stand up and work together with police as he said, “These perpetrators are known in our communities, therefore the people must play a role by informing police and not protecting them.
Women must also not allow poverty to keep them in abusive environments which usually lead to their children being sexually abused,” said Shongwe. Recently, the Barberton police started a campaign called “Siyahlomisa” which is aimed at educating learners about sexual abuse.
Speaking to Mpumalanga Mirror, the police spokesman, Const Tutu Nkosi, stated that the reason they were targeting learners was because in most cases children were the victims.
