DCSSL and police make Trichardt’s Vlaklaagte residents aware of the crimes affecting their community
Col Willie Nel, deputy cluster commander, told residents that alcohol abuse and drinking at taverns are at the root of most of the social crimes in the township. He was applauded for saying that taverns are no place for women, especially teenage girls, where they are given alcohol and are then raped.
TRICHARDT – Residents from Holfontein who were relocated to Vlaklaagte heard on Thursday, 13 June, how alcohol and substance abuse can lead to crime and social problems.
The Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison (DCSSL) in Mpumalanga, along with the Trichardt Police, held an awareness campaign to educate the community about trio crime (hijackings, house robberies and business robberies), as well as social crimes such as domestic violence and assault.
The community was told about the roles and projects of DCSSL, the CPF, the Department of Home Affairs and the Ward Councillor for Trichardt, Ms Ciska Jordaan.
Col Willie Nel, deputy cluster commander, told residents that alcohol abuse and drinking at taverns are at the root of most of the social crimes in the township.
He was applauded for saying that taverns are no place for women, especially teenage girls, where they are given alcohol and are then raped.
Mr Vusi Thukwane from DCSSL told the community members, who attended the meeting, that they should open a case at the police station when a crime is committed.
Mr Thukwane said the DCSSL wants to see a safe room at every police station where rape victims and victims of domestic violence can be interviewed in private.
He said people should also not commit crime under the guise of religion or rituals.
Sgt Valencia Koma raised the point of xenophobia and tribalism. “We are all South Africans,” she concluded.
Ms Jordaan spoke about her plans to implement better road safety at Vlaklaagte.
Mr Michael Ntuli, head of the local Home Affairs offices said they have mobile offices with which they visit townships to help poor residents with issues such as ID applications and birth certificates.
Those attending the event agreed to work with the police to eradicate crime, racketeering, gangsterism and substance abuse in their community, as the majority are peace loving and law abiding citizens.
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