The new eMbalenhle police station commander, Colonel Maggie Mbokane, appealed to the residents of Ext 18 in Sector 3 to help in the fight against crime.
Mbokane said this during a crime meeting held on July 31.
She said common assault and assault with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm, burglaries, rapes, theft of motor vehicles, car hijackings, business and house robberies and domestic violence are the most common crimes in the area.
Mbokane said the police need the community to partner with them to fight these crimes because residents are the eyes and ears of the police.
“You know these criminals because they are staying amongst you and also do crimes for you. We need you to volunteer your time as we are reviving sector patrollers who will work with us in patrolling the area,” said Mbokane.
She warned young women against going to taverns without their own money.
“Who will buy you liquor and what is he expecting in return?
“As police, we face false rape challenges. People agree to give each other something, but once that deal goes wrong, one party runs to the police station to open a rape case.
ALSO READ: Body of former police union member (61) found inside his car in Sundra
“We often discover the woman agreed to sleep with a man for money, but the man does not pay up.
“We warn our sisters that the police have limited resources that need to be used in the fight against crimes,” said Mbokane.
Residents raised their concerns about the police station’s gate closing during the night. Mbokane said from now on only the big gate will be closed but the small one is always open.
She said police stations have also become a target for criminals. Stations in the province have been attacked, and the criminals stole firearms. She also raised her concern about the behaviour of some residents towards the police.
“A few days ago, a resident insisted that a member working in the Community Service Centre certify a document copy with a certified stamp of last year.
“Our member explained we don’t certify a copy that was already certified. The man threw the paper at our member.
“The police are also humans like all of you and we deserve to be treated with respect,” she said.
Mbokane also encouraged the community to report members they suspect are working with criminals or are misusing state resources.
