Sunrise residents demand stronger police visibility amid rising crime
Community members raised concerns about lack of patrols, alleged police corruption, and delayed response times during the Operation Shanela Imbizo in Zonkizizwe.
Residents of Sunrise appealed for police visibility in their area during the Operation Shanela Imbizo held at Sunrise, in Zonkizizwe, on September 18.
Various community members mentioned that they hardly see police vehicles patrolling their area, which is one of the main factors contributing to the skyrocketing of criminal activities.
A community member of Sunrise, Katlego Molokomme, said he doesn’t see police presence in his area.
“In the past years police used to patrol in our area, but lately it hasn’t happened anymore.
“The response time of the police whenever there’s a criminal activity in our area is also questionable; they arrive late, and that gives criminals ample time to commit a crime without being fearful of being apprehended.
“As community members, we are keen on working with the police to combat crime,” said Molokomme.
Another community member of Sunrise, Tshepo Lefoka, claims police are taking bribes from drug dealers instead of arresting them.
“I once went to buy nyaope, and as I was walking on the street, I was approached by police officers who searched me, and they found nyaope on me. They then asked me where I bought it.
“Then they proceeded to arrest me, and I gave them the name of the drug dealer; thereafter, I directed them to his residential place,” said Lefoka.
He added that when they arrived at the drug dealer’s residential place, they hooted, and the drug dealer came out of the property, and he spoke to them.
“The drug dealer, after speaking to the police officers, then went back to his house and returned after a few minutes, and to my surprise, he then gave the police officers money.
“Thereafter, the police officers left the premises of the drug dealer and went to the Vosloorus Police Station, where I was detained for some hours before I was released,” said Lefoka.
Another community member, Frasisca Mahlahla, praised the police officers for helping her with a domestic issue.
“From my experience, there are good and bad police officers in every police station; however, I once had a family domestic issue, and police officers from Zonkizizwe Police Station came to help me with the issue.”
Brigadier Albertina Vesi said she heard the concerns of the community members.
“I will surely ensure all the concerns of the community members are addressed, including the issue of police officers taking bribes.
“We were happy to engage with community members, and from here we will be establishing a good relationship with the community so we can combat crime together.”
She added that during the Operation Shanela roadblock at Magagula Heights, a lot of suspects were arrested for various crimes.
“In a detective-led operation, 156 people were arrested for contact crimes, 15 for contact-related crimes, 10 for stolen property crimes, 39 for GBV, and 29 for other serious crimes.
“At the roadblock, 57 traffic fines to the value of R20 660 were issued, and two suspects for dealing in dagga were arrested,” shared Vesi.
If the community members encounter criminal activities, they can call the following contact numbers:
Client Service Centre (CSC) telephone number at Zonkizizwe Police Station is 071 675 7333, Sector Manager contact number Constable Mogale Tshelane 067 391 1841, the Vispol Commander Captain Godfrey Beje 082 461 2628, District Crime Intelligence Officer Colonel Tsaoane 082 557 7093, Detectives Commander Captain S Motloung 082 822 8043.
