Mr Lucky Langa and Ms Nomvula Sidu are concerned about crime and drug abuse in the Malvern area.
Their main concerns are taverns that operate 24/7.
They have been residents in the area since 1999.
“Malvern has really changed since I moved here. There is a big difference compared to when I first moved here. If we do not stand together as a community to fight against drugs and alcohol it will only get worse,” said Ms Sidu.
“There are also many taverns in Malvern and people as far as Soweto come this side to drink,” she said.
“I have a daughter who attends a day care centre next to one of the taverns. It is not safe at all but because I have to go to work. I have no other choice. There is a tavern in every street here,” said Mr Langa.
“Malvern is a haven for drugs. If the SAPS spent time in this area they will see what is going on. They do patrols and attend to crimes committed, but they need to implement measures to stop incidents from taking place. Drugs are killing our community, especially our children. There are many children in our community who leave school because of drugs and alcohol use. It also leads to children committing crime. They rob people when they either go to, or return from, work. We need to stand together and fight drugs in our communities,” said Mr Langa.
“On June 27, we went to the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) in Loveday Street to request permission for a peaceful march against crime and drugs in our community. We paid R150 for the permission letter and escort from the JMPD. On July 8 we had a peaceful march and I would like to thank the community of Malvern, the JMPD, the Cleveland SAPS and the taxi drivers who were part of the march,” said Ms Sidu.
The Cleveland SAPS spokesperson, Constable Mpho Mashakane, said stop-and-search operations are conducted in the areas identified as problems areas by Mr Langa and Ms Sidu.
