Residents of Max Goodman Park have called for police raids in their complex.
This was stated during a community meeting held at the complex on Wednesday last week.
The Jeppe SAPS was represented by the Sector One Manager, Sergeant Malose Patrick Tefu. The Community Police Forum (CPF) was represented by its Sector One chairperson, Mr Zola Dambula.
The community was discussing safety issues in the area.
Residents’ concerns included the drug usage by the youth in the complex and suspected drug dealers.
The deputy chairperson of the Max Goodman Park Association, Mrs Faradiba Morton, said the easy access into the complex is a serious challenge.
“We have youngsters loitering here in the evening. There is also evidence of them using drugs inside our premises. Female residents who live alone are sometimes attacked by these youngsters. What hurts most is that some of these suspects are not from this area. They come here with their bad habits,” she said.
Some residents said they know of units used by people for consuming drugs.
The residents called on the SAPS to perform unannounced raids so that drug usage in the complex can be curbed.
Sgt Tefu asked the community to provide information about the specific units dealing in drugs.
One resident said the idea would not work, as the illegal substances could be removed before the police arrive if they target only one or two units.
“We want an operation to clean up the complex,” said the resident.Sgt Tefu told the community that the SAPS will perform an assessment and will organise a raid soon.
“We do not want to disturb the elderly, but we will hold the raid soon. Please give us as much information as possible as this will help us to do our jobs,” he said.
Mr Dambula urged the community to attend the CPF meeting, which is held at the Mandeville Sports Hall every Wednesday of the month.
This follows complaints from the community that they are scared to attend the CPF meetings because it is dark after the meeting.
“Its dark and it is not safe when we return from the meeting,” said one resident.
The same resident said attending the CPF meetings places her life in danger.
“Lets reclaim our streets. If we are going to hold our meetings in here because we are scared of criminals, we will stay here for the rest of our lives. Let us stand together against crime,” said Mr Dambula.
Sgt Tefu urged parents to be vigilant and to check their children’s school bags.
“You may think your child is young, does not do drugs or does not carry weapons. Don’t be surprised if we arrest him,” Sgt Tefu told the community.
He also told the community that there is help for drug addicts at the Jeppe SAPS.
“Our Social Crime and Victim Support Desk is there to help. They can help take your child to a rehabilitation centre. Also, if you think your child is using drugs but he does not want to come to us, you can call us and we will come and pick him up. He will be helped. Do not shy away, help your child fight drugs and crime,” said Sgt Tefu.
He said the community should continue to use the 08000 10111 number to report information.
Sector numbers are good but due to network or high volume calls, residents may not always be able to contact the SAPS.
“But by using the 08000 10111 number, you are guaranteed to talk to someone. Let us strengthen the relationship between the community and the police. By so doing we will defeat crime,” he said.
The Sector One number is 071 675 6020/21.
