On Saturday, 14 September 2013 Barberton community has called on Mpumalanga Community Safety, Security and Liaison MEC Vusi Shongwe to strengthen law enforcement to fight drug abuse.
This call was made during a public participation (Imbizo) in Barberton where the department, South African Police Service and other government departments met with communities of Ehlanzeni Region to talk about issues of crime that affect them. The Barberton community raised among others a concern during the event that the usage of drugs by youth has increased uncontrollably.
They have complained that foreign nationals are illegally occupying buildings which are used as drugs markets and therefore told the MEC to bring the Tactical Response Team (Amabherethe) and clean the Barberton town and schools. They have also called on the MEC to arrest learners who are found loitering during school hours as they may be exposed to drugs.
They have also complained about the increasing rate of rape and other common crimes in the area. In addition, they have requested that the Department of Human Settlement monitors unoccupied RDP houses as they are used by criminals as hiding spots.
Responding to their issues, MEC Shongwe said that communities must not relegate the responsibility of fighting crime to police, but they must work together with police to eliminate crime.
“These perpetrators are known in our communities, therefore communities must play a role by informing police and not protect them. Women must also not allow poverty to keep them in abusive an environment which usually leads to their children being sexually abused,” said Shongwe.
He added that it is the responsibility of parents to ensure that thier children are not involved in crime and drugs. He said that the only way that crime could be eliminated is that communities should stop buying stolen goods.
Shongwe concluded that the department with the police will soon go and clean Barberton and also deal with all liquor outlets which do not comply with their licences. Meanwhile, Community Police Forum Provincial General Secretary Ms Linah Mazibuko called on community members to join policing structures and assist police to fight crime.
She said that the foundation of fighting crime starts with community members as crime happens in communities where perpetrators are known.
Enquiries:
Joseph Mabuza
Cell: 082 678 1450
Tel: 013 766 4055
