Toekies forms own patrol group – police condemn ‘vigilantism’

Toekomsrus residents said they were left with no choice but to take the law into their own hands after they were neglected by the police.

This has led to the establishment of a group called Mannekrag Community Watch. Its patrollers have said they are determined to protect the community.

“Whenever we need assistance from the police, they never give us any feedback. So far, we have arrested more than 10 suspects, but what is shocking is that all of them are out roaming the streets again,” said Donavin Londt, a member of the group.

The group said on several occasions they have committed themselves to fight crime in Toemomsrus, but they are often demotivated when those they know have pending cases against them are released almost immediately.

“When a community member tells us that they have a case against someone we go and make a citizen’s arrest and hand them over to the police. We book the suspect in with a case number, but one day later, the person would be out,” Grant Walters added.

The group also said one of the factors that prompted the formation of Mannekrag Community Watch was the hijacking of six vehicles in the area.

“We took the initiative of patrolling the two main entrances to Toekomsrus, but Brigadier Manamela said what we were doing is illegal and that we should involve the police, but we could not even do that as they are not helpful,” Walters said.

The group also complained about the Toekomsrus Satellite Police Station, which they said is constantly closed and does not service the needs of the public.

They said they have met with Randfontein Police representatives, including Brigadier Jacob Mashole Manamela, to raise their concerns but claimed that none of their promises have materialised.

“People are no longer calling the police, they are calling us. The police have too many excuses and are always sending the community from pillar to post,” Walters said.

Responding to the claims by the group, Manamela said the police does not condone any form of vigilantism.

“If there is any form of crime committed, whether by patrollers or any members of the community, a case must be opened. We cannot talk about the group (Mannekrag Community Watch) because we do not know whether it is registered or not, but what I can confirm is that I had a meeting with people in Toekomrus at which they indicated that they want to participate in assisting the police in patrolling.

“We then advised them to work under the umbrella of the Community Police Forum (CPF) so that they could comply with certain laws that regulate the CPF and the police.”

Manamela went on to say that although the initiative to assist the police is appreciated, it was very important for people to abide by the law. He also stated that vigilantism will not be tolerated.

“Criminals can easily take advantage of the situation under the pretence of being patrollers in the community.

“The other thing that we also said to them was that if they want to be patrollers, they should not have criminal records themselves, because we do not know what their intention will be. You will find that ‘pretenders’ observe how the police operate so that they can infiltrate WhatsApp groups to executive their criminal activities,” Manamela added.

He also said people need to know that the Toekomsrus Satellite Police Station is not a satellite, but used as a contact point.

“Ever since my arrival here in Randfontein, I have been trying to get the satellite open 24/7. However, it happens sometimes that the police do not have enough personnel, for reasons beyond our control, which may result in its temporary closure.”