Police urge Alexandra residents to help curb violent crime
Acting station commander Colonel Jerry Phaswana says crime in Alexandra is deeply troubling and difficult to address without community cooperation.
The Alexandra Police Station appeals to residents to assist in curbing the escalating levels of violent crime in the township. Acting station commander Colonel Jerry Phaswana said that crime in the community is a serious concern for law enforcement and must be addressed through stronger collaboration with the public.
“It does not sit well with us when a person gets killed,” Phaswana said. “We need the community to come forward with information. Not all, but some members of the community know who these individuals are. Without their help, we are going to struggle.”
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Phaswana acknowledged that the station often faces criticism from residents who feel police are not doing enough to combat crime. However, he emphasised that effective policing depends on credible leads from the public.
“If you give us a specific address and nothing happens, then you have a point. But if you’ve never shared any information, you cannot say the police are not working,” he said.
He added that intelligence, such as names or locations, can help police intervene before violence escalates.
“Only when we get information from the community can we go to that specific person’s place and search,” he said, emphasising that such leads can reduce gun violence in the community.
He also admitted that there is a need to enhance the relationship between law enforcement officials and the community.
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The disbandment of the Community Policing Forum (CPF), which previously served as a bridge between residents and law enforcement, has left a gap in local crime prevention efforts. But despite this, Phaswana said the station continues to engage with the community.
“Even after the disbandment of the CPF, we are still holding meetings with the community every week,” he said.
He said police are ready to engage directly with residents to tackle crime, which remains a national concern.
He acknowledged a lack of trust between the public and law enforcement, and noted that efforts are underway to rebuild that relationship.
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