POLOWKANE – Seshego residents say an increase in house robberies and theft in the area has left them reluctant to report cases to the Seshego Police as they receive little to no assistance or protection from them.
A family in Madiba Park recently reported a house burglary, but according to Seshego community leader, Vincent Kunutu, the case was not handled correctly by police. “The suspect was arrested, only to be released and he returned to the said home to attack the victims with a machete,” Kunutu said.
You might also want to read: Mob justice a thorn in the side for Seshego Police
He added that the mother and son who were attacked were found in a critical condition and hospitalised at the Seshego Hospital. More leaders in the area, who work closely with Kunutu’s organisation, Seshego Community against Crime and Gangsterism (SCACAG), say they volunteered to provide protection for the duo at the hospital as the suspect told them he would return to hurt them again.
Kunutu told BONUS that the Seshego residents are not happy about the services rendered by the Seshego Police Station. “We report cases, yet these burglaries are becoming more frequent and the police do not want to work nor respond to our requests. We’re going to take very strong action regarding this matter should it not improve,” he said.
He added that SCACAG had written a letter of concern to the Office of the President with regard to their concerns over the Seshego Police Station.
Seshego resident, Ernest Davarah said the Madiba Park incident is one of the main reasons why people are afraid to stand up against thieves.
“As soon as they are arrested, they are released within 24 hours and they return with a vengence. How can a thief confess and is then released by the police? Aren’t the officers supposed to open a docket and lock the suspect up?” Davarah asked.
Tladi Makofane said police officers should “go back to training because it seems like they have forgotten their purpose”.
“Do they just pick people up from the street and give them uniform and say you are now a police officer, because this is the result of stupidity and negligence from their side. To my understanding, the police are supposed to accompany the suspect to where he has hidden the stolen property, asses it and return the stolen property to their rightful owners while the suspect is in custody,” Makofane said.
Communications Officer for the Seshego Police Station, Const Alley Maluleke says they are aware of the issues raised by the community and that they are in discussion with leaders in the area. “We have agreed to arrange a meeting where stakeholders like the Department of Justice, SAPS and the CPF will be involved and we can discuss concerns raised and find resolutions to mitigate the matter,” Maluleke said.
Kunutu says a date is yet to be confirmed.
