Ward 115 councillor reacts to Bloubosrand road closures as community says: ‘no more’

Ward 115 councillor Matome Mafokwane has reacted with great empathy for the community of Bloubosrand, who claim they are facing a scourge of violent crime and secured the area by closing roads on 29 January.

“We approached the JMPD and have asked for access control in the area in a full application that has undergone the proper inspections and it is in the process of finalisation, with communication that has gone out to the wider community. That application is going through due processes, but the wheels of government are grinding slowly,” said Mafokwane.

Read more here: Closed for good

He said that the latest incidents of crime prompted a reaction by the residents to close the roads as stated in the application. “I cannot encourage residents to make this decision or to take the law into their hands but this is what they have chosen to do in reaction to something they feel is spiralling out of control. The application is in its process of approval and sector managers are aware of it.”

According to Mafokwane, the current state of the area is a breeding ground for opportunistic criminals. He said that one of the best ways the police can help in the fight against crime in the area is to increase its visible policing presence. “Visible policing means that men and women in uniform are seen at all hours of the day and night patrolling the area as it is a known crime hotspot. Rosters need to be put into place.”

He referred to the recent incident of crime that sparked the resident’s uproar – the violent murder of a Bloubosrand resident during the evening of 27 January.

Mafokwane continued, “To my knowledge, the suspects came back the next day to the same property to steal more. If the police were showing a visible presence, these criminals would not be so brazen as to come back to the scene the very next day to commit even more crime.

“Even criminals have realised that visible policing and commitment to community safety has collapsed, and this is incredibly dangerous.

“We need more police vehicles to be patrolling, not only in Bloubosrand but all over the city. The only way to do this is to increase funding for the police and encourage more citizens to join the police ranks, even in terms of volunteering.”

Mafokwane added that a ward councillor acts as the first port of call between the community and the governance of the City. “We can inquire about the issues facing our communities and drive the issues with those responsible for making changes. We hold them to account based on their plans and press them to make changes where there is a need. As ward councillors, we do not have the power to make immediate changes, but we can certainly make proposals and help them to be followed through.”

He concluded that he will not stop communicating with all role-players who play a part in improving the safety and security of his community and encourages his community to support each other during this time.

JMPD has been approached for comment, which will follow as soon as it becomes available.

Related article:

Bloubosrand residents take matters into their own hands – roads shut down