The MEC for community safety, security and liaison, Vusi Shongwe, has called for the Verena Police Station in the Thembisile Hani Local Municipality in Mpumalanga to upgrade its management.
“The Mpumalanga SAPS management should consider upgrading the local station from a captain to a colonel one. The population of Verena has grown significantly over the years. The upgrade will enable the station to adequately equip it to respond to the rising levels of crimes.”
He made his call during a public participation programme in Verena on November 11.
However, responding to this issue, the provincial police commissioner, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Manamela, explained that an upgrade is mainly influenced by the number of cases the station receives. In her response, she encouraged residents to report crime when it happens as this may help to strengthen their call for the station to be upgraded.
Shongwe encouraged communities to work together with community policing forums and other existing complimentary structures that are combating crime, including the SAPS.
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“We are also appealing to the SAPS management to prioritise Verena and come up with specific programmes to address all the issues the community has raised.”
Some of the residents’ concerns include aggravated robberies, domestic violence and tuck shops that sell expired goods, endangering the health of the locals. Some of these shops are owned by foreign nationals. Residents also raised issues regarding the delays or lack of feedback on cases already opened at the station.
According to the Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison, the proliferation of drugs and unlicensed firearms are also on the rise in Verena.
Shongwe advised farmers to brand their livestock appropriately and to work with existing associations in order to solve existing theft cases.
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Prior to the public participation programme, Shongwe donated a fridge, a microwave oven and stationery to the Siyathembeka Drop-in Centre, and a wheelchair, a bed and groceries to Gogo Lina Skhosana, who is 106.
