Pirrowville residents call for urgent crime intervention and service upgrades
Community members told law enforcement and local officials that poor infrastructure and police failures are fuelling rising crime in Germiston’s Ward 35.
Residents of Pirrowville, Germiston, have voiced deep concerns over rising crime and the lack of service delivery affecting their community.
These concerns were raised during a community imbizo on July 17, held next to Institute Status Acres Combined Schools.
The meeting formed part of Operation Shanela II, led by Ekurhuleni District Commissioner, Major General Anna Sithole, and focused on the Germiston and Primrose policing areas.
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The broader Operation Shanela II initiative began on July 16, and saw the arrest of over 260 suspects across the Ekurhuleni District.
According to authorities, 219 suspects were arrested by district detectives while tracing wanted individuals, and a further 61 were apprehended during operations in Germiston and Primrose.
The suspects face charges ranging from serious and contact crimes to property-related offences, violations of the Immigration Act, and drug-related offences. A significant breakthrough was made in Primrose, where an illegal mining operation was uncovered.
Police arrested 14 undocumented individuals and seized equipment including pendukas, oxygen cylinders, and crush pots.
In parallel with the operation, members of the Social Crime Prevention unit conducted a door-to-door campaign in Pirrowville.
Pamphlets were distributed to raise awareness about housebreakings and gender-based violence.
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During the imbizo, residents raised pressing issues such as prolonged power outages and a lack of street lighting, both of which they said were contributing to the rise in crime.
These concerns were addressed by both Major General Sithole and Ward 35 Clr Ntuthuzelo Mpambani.
Community chairperson Daniel Ravele spoke on behalf of residents, questioning the police’s responsiveness and competence.
He highlighted the growing impact of crime, including drug use, housebreakings, and violence, which residents believe are being worsened by poor service delivery.
“Our community is small, and we look out for one another,” said Ravele.
“In the past, residents have chased away drug dealers near the school. But what happens when someone is caught with stolen property? In one case, the police recovered stolen items but failed to arrest the suspect. That is not acceptable.”
He warned that failure to act against offenders only encourages further criminal activity.
Responding to these concerns, Mpambani acknowledged that many of the complaints had previously been submitted to his office.
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“We are working on installing new streetlights on Quarry Road, and most streetlights in the area, which last functioned in 2017, have already been restored,” he said.
“We’ve noticed a clear link between darkness and crime, which is why this is a top priority.
Currently, the community is affected by a power outage, but the City of Ekurhuleni is working on resolving it.”
Sithole addressed policing issues directly, acknowledging that suspects found in possession of stolen goods should not be released without consequence.
“If someone is caught with stolen property, police must detain the suspect. If the rightful owner is identified, they should give a statement and sign for the return of their belongings,” she said.
Sithole urged residents to actively engage in fighting crime.
“Crime affects all of us. We encourage the formation of community structures, such as the CPF, and want residents to partner with us in crime prevention,” she said.
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She also raised concern about the high number of scrapyards in Germiston.
“There are 31 scrapyards in the area. Every police station has compliance officers to monitor these businesses, and we will take action against any scrapyard or second-hand dealer caught with stolen goods.”
As part of ongoing enforcement, Sithole confirmed that a suspected stolen vehicle was impounded and that two individuals were fined R5,000 each for employing undocumented workers. An illegal liquor outlet was also shut down.
Sithole concluded by commending law enforcement and partner organisations for their continued commitment to improving safety in Germiston and Primrose.
