Reiger Park residents vent about police inaction, corruption during MEC’s crime imbizo

Reiger Park residents voiced their frustrations during a crime imbizo led by Gauteng Community Safety MEC Faith Mazibuko on May 10, where they criticised the perceived ineffectiveness of the Reiger Park Police station.

They highlighted accusations of police incompetence, corruption and inadequate response times while painting a grim picture of the state of law enforcement in the area.

The imbizo was attended by Mazibuko along with Reiger Park police station commander Lieutenant Colonel Bongani Dube, deputy district commissioner Brigadier Lebohang Machakela, Ward Clr Tsotang Motloung and other officials.

It aimed to address community concerns and introduce potential solutions, including a mobile security app, a panic button and cameras in hotspots.

Scepticism regarding the effectiveness of such initiatives loomed large among residents.

One resident, who preferred to remain anonymous, expressed doubts about the mobile app’s ability to address the root causes of crime, citing concerns that criminals could exploit its functionality.

“It won’t be able to address the high crime rate in the area. Those who know how the app operates will share information with the criminals about how it functions.”

This sentiment was echoed by others, who lamented the perceived collusion between criminals and some SAPS members.

Citing recent incidents, resident Thembile Mitshintshi recounted a harrowing experience of a kidnapping met with a delayed police response, exacerbating feelings of vulnerability and distrust towards law enforcement.

“They fail to treat our concerns seriously. It is alarming that in a recent kidnapping, the police took two days to respond.

“Their action only came after we mentioned that the victim might have been targeted because they received money from SARS.

”This situation raises doubts about the integrity of individuals collaborating with those entrusted to safeguard the community,” said Mitshintshi.

Mazibuko tried to calm worries by talking about how the e-panic button app could help when in an emergency.

“The app can find where the emergency is, connect to the nearest police station or security company, and send help quickly.

“We will also put up face recognition cameras in areas where crime happens a lot. These cameras will be able to recognise people, even if they try to hide their faces.

“The cameras will be linked to the police station commanders and the district.

“The police have already identified places where crime happens often. They will also use drones to help fight crime,” said Mazibuko.

Mazibuko said the Gauteng crime prevention wardens, known as “green beans” or “Ama-Panyazas”, and the CPF members will work with the police to make the area safer.

Dube acknowledged the prevalence of various crimes in the area, including murder, GBV, substance abuse, and assault.

In response to allegations of police misconduct, the officials assured residents they would take measures to address corruption in the ranks and encouraged community co-operation in reporting such instances.

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