Residents usually express frustration over how long it takes for police to respond to tip-offs and apprehend suspects involved in crimes.
Sometimes, some accuse officers of doing nothing. However, the Alex police maintain that this is not the case.

Alexandra Police Station commander Brigadier Vusimuzi Ngubane said that constructing a strong case against a suspect and collecting sufficient evidence to support charges and successful prosecution was a process that took time.

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Although police have consistently encouraged community members to report information about suspected criminals operating in the community, Ngubane noted that officers, when they receive information, must carry out additional inquiries to compile adequate details.

He said rather than just relying solely on allegations, police gathered intelligence to establish sufficient evidence prior to any arrests. “We do our own investigations until we get them [criminals]. And when we get them, we make sure that the prosecutor will accept the case and put the person behind bars,” Ngubane explained.

He acknowledged that community frustration over what appears to be police inactivity is common, but he attributed much of it to a lack of awareness about the investigative process and the time required to develop cases properly. “They would say the police are not working, and it takes time. We have to do observations.”

Still, Ngubane noted that reliable information from the public continued to play a vital role in strengthening cases against suspects.

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Meanwhile, Ngubane revealed that the police have pinpointed a criminal network responsible for the recent surge in hijackings affecting the motorists in Alexandra, and that arrests would soon follow once enough evidence had been secured.

He stated that the names and whereabouts of the syndicate members involved in the vehicle hijackings were already known to authorities. “One day, we are going to arrest them. We know where they are, we know their group, and soon, we will arrest them. It is just difficult to arrest someone without actual proof.”

He further disclosed that out of the 18 hijacking incidents reported in January, most targeted e-hailing vehicles, with motorbikes coming in second. Many of the stolen cars are later found dismantled in the Marlboro industrial zone.

In certain cases, suspects leave the vehicles temporarily in Marlboro while keeping watch for any reaction from tracking service providers. In several incidents, victims are driven around for a period before being released close to the Setswetla bridge adjacent to the cemetery.

The police continue to appeal to residents to share anonymous tips to assist in breaking up these criminal operations.

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