JMPD officers soon
The Ward Based Safety programme leaves residents with mix emotions
Last year, City of Johannesburg Executive Mayor, Parks Tau launched Ward Based Safety programme led by Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD).
The programme promised to place 10 JMPD officers in every ward in the city but a lack of visible officers in some wards has left mixed emotions among residents.
Portia Mathebula (44) said: “When it comes to promised service delivery our country is failing, so I’m not surprised to see that the officers haven’t been available in our streets.
“We will wait until they are available so we can feel safe in their hands, because the police are really not doing enough to fight crime.”
Another resident, Themba Mnguni, said: “We must just be patient with the city, I’m sure they will deliver on this one, because the crime if high in our country, there is a huge need for such programme to be introduced.”
The idea to deploy 10 JMPD officers per ward to tackle crime and improve the safety and quality of life of the city’s communities.
JMPD spokesperson Wayne Minnaar said that the officers will start soon and there is no way the city can fail on this one.
“Fighting crime is our first priority and we are going to make sure that we introduce any strategy that we see fit to help fight crime in the city.
“Though, I cannot give the exact date, I can confirm that the officers will soon commence with their duties once the admin has been done and MMC for community safety will announce their starting date soon.” he said.
