Batch of new patrollers to fight crime in Motsoaledi
The community of Motsoaledi informal settlements launched over 100 community safety patrollers over the weekend in a bid to curb high crime levels.
The community of Motsoaledi informal settlements launched over 100 community safety patrols over the weekend in a bid to curb high crime levels.
ALSO READ: Diepkloof police tighten their grip on crime
The event was attended by the top brass management of the Diepkloof Police Station led by Brigadier Maake, Ward 24 councellor Zakhele Mathe, the local liquor board and residents of Motsoaledi.
Community leader, Sindiso Nobenda said, “We started patrolling around the community in December 2021 due to the crime levels that were out of hand.
“Police were no longer able to come into our community as their cars would be attacked but since we started the initiative, we are seeing massive changes.”
According to Nobenda, the initiative has yielded positive results with at least 73% of the crime in the area being reduced.
ALSO READ: Diepkloof residents condemn crime by marching
“Our patrollers will also be allocated to other parts of our sector, mainly Diepkloof Zone 6, Santa, Power Park and sometimes extend to Devland which forms part of our ward.
“They will continue to work besides the SAPS and become a middle man between the community and the police station as support structures.”
Residents who attended the launch shared that the high drug use and unemployment in the community were the main contributors to crime.
63-year-old Nomande Soyeye shared that she was happy that they were now able to walk freely in the community and be able to feel safe in their homes.
“The community we stay in has not been pleasant over the years. Gruesome incidents against women and the youth were scary.
“I have more than 25 years staying here as a resident and I have seen the worst.
“We were not able to leave the house after 7:00pm because we were afraid of criminals,” she shared.
Soyeye said the initiative meant a great deal to the community and further applauded the councillor for working with community structures since he took office.
ALSO READ: Police continue fight against crime in the province
Diepkloof Station Commander, Brigadier Maake welcomed the move saying she was pleased that the community took it upon themselves to form patrols and address crime in the area.
She added that the initiative showed the continued relations with communities to work hand-in-hand with the police to fight crime.
Community Safety MEC Faith Mazibuko recently led a crime and safety summit aimed at addressing raising safety concerns in Diepkloof and Orlando.
Mazibuko used the summit to call on communities to work with the South African Police Service to establish community patrolling forums.
Follow Us Here:
Catch the latest news by visiting our other platforms:
