Residents of Dludluma and nearby villages in the Tonga Policing precinct converged during community engagement on crime held a local community hall today (12 July 2024).Today’s programme saw residents complaining about a number of issues on crime. Some of the issues the meeting heard include livestock and vehicle theft, human trafficking, murder and gender based violence (GBV).
The community bemoaned that they were losing their cattle and once the livestock crosses to neighbouring Mozambique or Eswatini, it was difficult to recover. Others stated that the theft of vehicles which are later taken to Mozambique through illegal crossings, was exacerbated by residents who collude with thieves. This, one resident, claimed, happens when people are paid by criminals to store hijacked or stolen vehicles while arrangements are made on how to move such automobiles out of the country.
Still on carjacking, one community member even suggested that tracking companies should have offices in Nkomazi. This, he explained, could assist with swift recovery of stolen vehicles rather than having to first interact with call centres based in Johannesburg.
Some residents also pleaded for increased support to community police forums (CPFs) so that they can contribute more to crime prevention efforts. The spade of break-ins at several schools also came under a sharp focus with residents alleging that thieves made off with laptops. It also emerged that two security guards were allegedly killed by their assailants.
They went on to plead for inclusion of CPF members in the recently advertised posts of Crime Prevention Wardens (CPWs). Residents also proposed that South African Defence Force (SANDF) members must patrol the borderline and ensure no livestock, vehicles or counterfeit goods are taken across.
They further proposed that government should continue to dig trenches along the borderline to curb movement of stolen goods, vehicles and livestock.
Responding to residents, Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Mr. Jackie Macie urged communities to work with government in the fighting crime. He says SANDF and SAPS must work with communities but they need to earn the respect through their actions.
“Communities must work with the police, but they should not take the law into their own hands,” Macie says.
He also promised that the department working with the Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport will ensure that the project of digging trenches to curb crossings of stolen goods, vehicles and livestock is addressed. He also mentioned that while CPF members apply for CPW posts, they will not be considered if they have criminal records.
“We will thoroughly screen applicants. They will be subjected to security vetting, and if they are found with criminal records, they will not be considered,” he emphasized. Macie indicated that all issues raised during today’s interaction will receive urgent attention and further prioritization during the Justice Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) meetings chaired by the MEC,” Macie stated.
He also announced that similar engagements will be rolled out in other districts.
Today’s programme is part of the top priorities of the MEC’s first 100 days programme in the office.
He lauded the community and stakeholders’ participation in today’s gathering.
Ddludluma residents encouraged to work with Police to fight crime https://t.co/N6uan7bIrt#ArriveAlive #FightingCrime @mpumalangadcssl pic.twitter.com/W6xapBv0OA
– Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) July 13, 2024