Speaking at a Diepsloot Community Policing Forum meeting held at Malatjie Village near Lanseria on 22 September, Balatse urged parents to be more responsible and to take charge of their own households.
“We should all become station commanders in our respective homes because that is where crime starts. Parents should not allow minors to return home late at night or during the early hours of the morning,” Balatse said.
He explained that proactive action by adults would contribute towards reducing the levels of substance abuse, which would in turn lead to the prevention of other serious crimes such as assault, attempted murder, rape and murder.
Members of Diepsloot police also urged locals to report the illegal trading of alcohol, particularly vendors selling to minors.
“It should be an embarrassment for adults to sit side-by-side with minors at taverns and share alcohol and cigarettes with them,” Balatse concluded.
Community members were also informed about their right to petition against problematic taverns. According to Balatse, taverns, licenced or not, should not disrupt the lives of residents and minors.
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