Police alone cannot reduce crime because the success of any police operation depends in the active participation of residents. It is indeed a duty of every citizen of Maqongqo to report any criminal activity and for police to also respond on time, when called upon.
This is a message echoed by the Minister of Police, Nathi Mthethwa during a crime awareness gathering event held at Embhoyi Sports Ground in Maqongqo, outside Pietermaritzburg today. He stated that when it comes to issues of crime, many of the criminals who terrorize are known to this community.
There was also a lot of frustration among the residents about various acts of crime which had increased in the area and the subsequent impression that not much was being done by the police. In particular, they raised the issue of rapes of women, children and elderly abuse. They also complained about the long distance they travel in order to report crime, suggesting that there should be a new police station nearby.
“We are here today to reaffirm government’s commitment in eradicating violence against women, children and the elderly. We understand that crimes such as rape and sexual offences affect different communities, irrespective of their socio-economic status and background.”
He said government will intensify the war against perpetrators of crime against children including adults who influence and abuse children to commit crime for their own criminal benefits. One of the shifts that we had witnessed was that although crimes against women and children had decreased, we are now seeing a trend where young children are now being targeted and abused.
“We further want to strengthen our efforts in fighting sexual offences because in most instances, people who get robbed in their homes or at streets are often victims of rape, assault and murder. I am here today to say to the police, let us have less talk and more action in protecting the residents here. This is not a suggestion but a direct order which must be adhered to,” added the Minister.
The community also raised concerns about the treatment they receive at the local police stations. “The local station must become the face of our policing effort as we seek to improve and ensure the safety of all law-abiding citizens. The treatment we give to people who visit police stations in search of some help leaves lasting impressions not only about the particular station, but about the SAPS as a whole.”
The Minister further emphasised that government will not, by itself, address the crime problem. He urged communities to form part of efforts to address crime and corruption, by participating in community policing forums and more directly, by reporting crime to police.
“We have in the past emphasised the point that battle against crime cannot be separated from the war on want. In the main, incidents of contact crime such as murder, grievous bodily harm and rape occur among acquaintances in poor communities where living and entertainment environments do not allow for decent family and social life.”
“To the criminals who have been terrorising this community: the party is over now. I have instructed the police to ensure that they harden their approach in their fight against criminals because we do not negotiate with criminals, the only language we can engage them in, is through arrest and punishment. But arresting criminals is not enough; we now want more convictions and prosecutions,” stated Minister Mthethwa.
As a way forward, the Minister tasked the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Mamomonye Ngobeni and her team to immediately address the concerns raised today. He gave the team a three months deadline to report to him on progress. He reiterated that from today there must be a difference in the lives of residents when it comes to their safety.
For enquiries, please contact:
Zweli Mnisi, Spokesperson to the Minister of Police
Cell: 082 045 4024
