Police update Diepsloot community over actions taken concerning memorandum of grievance
Police report 19 undocumented immigrants and four suspected 'Panga Boys' arrested following a community memorandum, but frustrated residents say the crackdown doesn't go far enough. Here is what happened at the heated station meeting.
Diepsloot residents expressed frustration after police provided an update on actions taken following a memorandum of grievances handed over last week, saying the response has not gone far enough to address crime and illegal immigration in the area.
Addressing residents during a community meeting at Diepsloot Police Station, Station Commander Colonel Thekishi Moima said police had acted on concerns raised by the community, and that operations were ongoing.
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“We have heard your concerns and we have been working hard on the ground to make sure that justice is served.”
According to Moima, police have arrested 19 undocumented foreign nationals since the previous meeting. He also added that a further five people were arrested for alleged drug-related offences and four suspected members of the so-called ‘Panga Boys’ group had also been arrested.
“We received your memorandum and we worked on it. From last week until today, we have arrested 19 illegal immigrants. Our operations are continuing and we are going to do more arrests.”
Moima urged residents to work more closely with police by sharing information about criminal activity.
“Help us. Together we can fight crime, but you must give us information. Show us where the drug dealers are and we will arrest them. Our members are on the ground every day, but we need information from the community.”
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He added that further operations were already being planned, but could not disclose when they would take place, saying residents would see the results in the coming days.
Moima also said police had engaged relevant government departments regarding concerns previously raised by residents, including matters linked to human rights, and were awaiting feedback before implementing further operations.
The community, however, weren’t completely pleased by the update.
“I don’t understand why the police are not going with us during these arrests they are making. We asked to be called so we see it happening,” said community member Tholakele Nkwanyana.
Residents urged police to intensify operations and provide regular feedback, saying they wanted to see visible and sustained action to restore safety in Diepsloot.
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