Civil Society organisations and the criminal justice cluster in the North West welcomed the decline in crime statistics in the province as compared to previous years, however raising concerns about crimes committed due to alcohol. They called on police and concerned government departments to relook at the operations of local taverns, and further called on municipalities across the province to strengthen their by-laws, in a bit to reduce crime.
This was raised during the recent crime statistics presentation in Brits. Welcoming the decline in numbers, Community Policing Forums from across the province called for further strengthening of all crime fighting forces and capacity building in ensuring continues decline of crime in the province.
The forums further called on the department to implement the same strategies that were implemented in hot crime sports like Rusternburg, to be implemented in other areas. However statistics indicated that the Rustenburg and Brits clusters were on top of the list when coming to contact crimes, such as rape, grievously body harm, domestic violence, murder and others.
Business robberies were said to be on the high, even though its on a decline when compared to previous years. According to police, continues attack of foreign owned businesses has been a major contributing factor. Members of the community safety and policing forums, called on police to encourage the foreign community like the Pakistanis, Ethiopians and other who are doing business within communities to use local banks, than to keep large amounts of money, within their businesses.
Presenting the statistics Human Settlements, Public Safety and Liaison MEC Nono Maloyi, who’s speech was presented by the Acting Head of Department Bailey Mahlakoleng, warned that, the North West Province should be a crime free zone, where criminals will not have breathing space. “I want all criminals within the province to be discomfort and stressed, because we are not going to let them take over our streets, communities and ultimately our lives. He said that through what has been reflected by the statistics, it is clear that the province is making progress, but need to intensify efforts to reclaim the streets in local municipalities and neighbourhood’s against all form of crime”.
MEC Maloyi further acknowledged, and encouraged the enforcement of community safety, and policing forum. He said that such community forums play a great deal in fighting crime, because communities know these criminals and hot spots within their communities. MEC Maloyi acknowledged that there are certain types of crime that are still a challenge, but the progress made clearly shows that the government is making progress in fighting crime.
Meanwhile Deputy Provincial Major General Asaneng made an undertaking to revive and resolve challenges facing all community policing forums in the province. Asaneng further called on Municipalities to also assist in capacitating communities in fighting crime, as the first line of defence by government from communities.
The presentations were attended by among others, Community Policing Board, Cluster Community Policing Boards, Community Policing Forums, farmers unions, non-government organisations, community based organisations, representatives of departments that comprise the Provincial Justice Crime Prevention and Safety Cluster, Station Commanders and other role players.
Enquiries:
Simon Lesolang Mmope
Tel: 018 388 4826
Cell: 082 574 7621
Fax: 018 381 0328
E-mail: smmope@nwpg.gov.za
