In addition to complaints about common criminal activities, residents pleaded with Police to intensify their efforts in probing hotspots in and around Ladanna during a community meeting with stakeholders steered by Transport and Community Safety MEC Dickson Masemola on Tuesday.
Given the opportunity to address stakeholders and the Police on matters of concern in Ward 23, locations such as Ga-Rena, Rethabile Gardens, Ext 78 (New Pietersburg), Railway Street, Tweefontein smallholdings along the N1 North and a tavern named “One must die” were identified as hotspots where hard core criminal activities are allegedly taking place on a daily basis.
Also highlighted by residents was the matter of cases allegedly not being followed up by Police and being investigated thoroughly, case numbers not being provided to complainants, poor Police visibility, drugs, prostitution, housebreakings, the presence of undocumented foreign nationals and Police who having to operate with limited resources. These issues, it was indicated, are the cause of people losing hope and trust in the Police.
Ladanna CPF Chairperson Johan Duvenhage addressed the drug issue saying that most foreign drug dealers have been removed from Ladanna but the problem persists as locals are now used by foreigners to peddle drugs for them.
Lebowakgomo Cluster Commander Lediga Mashilo remarked that most issues raised were not new to the Police and that plans have already been made to address it.
“We need the help of the community to fight crime. We need your cooperation as fighting crime is the responsibility of the Police and the community. We want to engage with the youth but very few come forward when we reach out them,” Mashilo said, adding that visibility will be improved in affected areas.
Masemola thanked community members for their attendance and guaranteed them that notes have been taken and that the issues will be addressed.
“Enough is enough. People must live without fear in their own city. We have taken a decision that Polokwane must by force be home to its residents. Criminals who think they have friends in the Police – their days are numbered. We will win this war against criminals,” Masemola said.
He referred to the successes attained by Operation Swara Tsotsi which, launched at the end of June, delivered more than 4 000 arrests to date.
Story/photos: RC Myburgh
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