Crime and liquor-related issues took centre stage at a community meeting held in the Mkhancwa informal settlement in Maryvlei on October 29.

Brakpan SAPS station commander Brigadier Johanna Ngoma, Vispol commander Colonel Robert Makopo, Vispol support head Lieutenant Colonel Pearl Van Staad, Captain Nape Magane, sector managers, and liquor and second-hand goods officers were in attendance.

The SAPS team was accompanied by a representative from the Gauteng Liquor Board, Cleo Bodibe-Lushaba, and a member of the Crime Prevention Wardens.

The engagement follows a previous imbizo that was attended by the SAPS provincial commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni and Ekurhuleni district commissioner Major General Anna Sithole, whereby community members raised concerns about the non-issuance of liquor licences to informal settlement dwellers.

This led to the sale of liquor without valid licences, resulting in police confiscating the alcohol. During the latest meeting, community members reiterated their concerns about the non-issuance of liquor licences in the informal settlement.

Bodibe-Lushaba explained that the liquor board issues liquor licences to fixed premises only because there are several factors that must be considered.

She further explained that safety and security are some of the factors that form part of the decision-making during a liquor licence application.

Bodibe-Lushaba added that informal settlements are temporary and lack proper sanitation and electricity. In such areas, the presence of a liquor outlet raises concerns about where consumers would relieve themselves, creating situations that could particularly endanger women.

She further emphasised that the Gauteng Liquor Board does not issue liquor licences to residents of informal settlements.

A community member then raised a suggestion for informal settlement residents to be issued with temporary licences.

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Bodibe-Lushaba responded by saying that the Gauteng Liquor Board and the SAPS only enforce the laws, and the decision will have to involve other stakeholders responsible for creating such laws.

With regards to crime issues, residents raised concerns about the police station’s phone lines, noting that calls are sometimes not answered and that police responses are often delayed.

Additional concerns were raised regarding SAPS members allegedly threatening community members during operations.

Ngoma provided the community with telephone numbers corresponding to the appropriate reporting lines for their complaints.

The brigadier also advised residents to record incidents, take note of unsatisfactory service, and report any misconduct by SAPS members.

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She encouraged community members to register as informers with SAPS, assuring them of confidentiality.

Ngoma emphasised that SAPS members are expected to perform their duties with pride and integrity, respect the communities they serve, and protect citizens. She reminded the community of their right to report any wrongdoing by SAPS members.

At the same time, she cautioned residents against interfering with police operations, explaining that such interference constitutes a criminal offence, and strongly discouraged any attacks on police officers.

The community expressed gratitude to Brakpan SAPS management for their intervention and requested that such engagements occur more frequently, as they foster hope.

Ngoma concluded by encouraging the community to collaborate with SAPS rather than work against them.