REPORTED rape cases in Empangeni have increased over the last month according to Empangeni SAPS Captain Bonginkosi Dludla, who shared crime stats at Tuesday nights Community Policing Forum (CPF) meeting.
The incidents have mostly taken place in Empangeni central, west and Hillview.
Among the list of crimes has been a spate of residential burglaries in Kildare, Grantham Park, Panorama and Kuleka.
Community members were urged to form chat groups via social media platform ‘WhatsApp’.
Those already part of a group suggested police officers on duty be added to the chat groups.
However, in defence of the police, based on past experiences, off-duty officers would be bombarded with calls and messages.
‘We do have State phones, so the matter will be looked into,’ Captain Dludla said.
Xenophobia
As xenophobic attacks continue countrywide, Emangeni SAPS cluster have had no such issues.
‘No cases have been reported but we are ready and equipped to act. We have a plan and a task team in place,’ Dludla said.
Empangeni CPF Chairman Zilindile Masango said the City of uMhlathuze disaster management sector also has a contingency plan prepared.
The municipality has a 24/7 control room and complaints can be reported on 080 0222827 or 035 9074000.
The next CPF meeting will be held on 25 May at the Empangeni council chambers.
