ERMELO – Vusi Shongwe, the Mpumalanga MEC for community safety, security and liaison, expressed his concern over the seemingly rising levels of crime in the province on August 31.

This concerns were raised during the quarterly MuniMec meeting, with mayors and councillors from various municipalities to discuss safety and security matters.

Shongwe also bemoaned the involvement of some law enforcement officers in criminal activities.

“Crime is becoming a daily occurrence, and this requires us all to roll up our sleeves to come up with practical programmes and strategies to make these communities safer. Despite the existing programmes, intelligence-driven operations should be explored in order to hit the right targets,” he said.

Speaking about gender-based violence and femicide, the MEC stated that government officials must lead by example in the fight against GBV, by not abusing their own families or co-workers.

The gathering deliberated on the extent to which alcohol abuse in many communities was exacerbating crime.

During the meeting, it was resolved that all municipalities must ensure community safety forums (CSFs) are functional and strengthened at all times.

Shongwe said CSF groups are an important co-ordinating mechanism in the fight against crime at local levels.