Digwale community near Vaalbank has told Mpumalanga Safety, Security and Liaison MEC, Ms Sbongile Manana that government should consider providing at least a satellite police station in their area.
They said villages around Vaalbank have since expanded and the local police station was failing to police the whole area.
The people told MEC Manana during the imbizo held yesterday, Sunday, 28 February 2010 at Somlokotho Primary School.
The community complained that stock theft and domestic violence was rife in their area and the police station was far away.
They said police usually did not respond in time when called on crime scenes as they allegedly had no vehicles.
The people said there was poor police visibility and it made it difficult for them to report crime at Vaalbank Police Station since it was far.
The people also alleged that police officers utilised the state vehicles for personal use.
Responding to the complaints, MEC Manana called on police officers to respect their work by taking care of assets belonging to the public.
She urged the community to report such police officers who were misusing the state property to their superiors adding that corrupt officers had no place in the provincial government.
“It is everyone’s business to look after government property, report any corrupt activities,” said Manana.
Regarding the satellite police station, the MEC said South African Police Service (SAPS) management would look into the matter. The MEC further called on the people to mark their livestock so it would be easy to identify them if stolen and for the police to investigate.
Speaking at the same event, SAPS Deputy Provincial Commissioner, Rex Machabi said the police were concerned about many liquor outlets as crime was caused by people under the influence of alcohol.
He said liquor traders should comply with the Liquor Board Regulations by not selling liquor beyond the stipulated times and to the minors.
He said police should increase visibility in the area. He urged the people to assist the police officers in fighting crime by joining the community police forum and becoming reservists.
Enquiries:
Joseph Mabuza
Tel: 013 766 4055
Cell: 082 678 1450
Issued by: Department of Safety, Security and Liaison, Mpumalanga Provincial government
1 March 2010
Source: Department of Safety, Security and Liaison, Mpumalanga Provincial government (http://www.mpumalanga.gov.za/safety_and_security/home.asp)
