Community and police unite for crime prevention campaign

The Mthandekayo Foundation has taken a proactive step in addressing crime in Thembisa by partnering with various stakeholders, including law enforcement agencies, to raise awareness and promote community safety.

The initiative was launched during an event held at Mehlareng Stadium on August 13.

The foundation has called on residents to work with the police and other stakeholders to build trust and co-operation, emphasising that communities play a vital role in preventing and combating crime.

“The purpose of the event is to fight crime that exists in our community,” said foundation chairperson Mpho Mankoe.

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“We want to highlight the crime in our community and partner with SAPS to minimise it.

“If we can reduce crime, we can prevent it. That is why I started this campaign.”

Mankoe stressed that residents themselves have a responsibility to act.

“We can help each other fight crime. We cannot point fingers and say outsiders are to blame.

“Some parents protect their children even when they know they are involved in crime. We must stop hiding culprits and be transparent if we want to bring our Thembisa back.”

He also addressed public frustration with policing, saying that while residents believe some officers accept bribes, the law requires evidence for cases to succeed in court.

“Just because someone is released after an arrest does not mean the police are corrupt. Without evidence, there is no case. Residents should not withhold information that can help police make arrests,” he said.

Mankoe added that gender-based violence remains alarmingly high in Thembisa and urged residents to engage directly with SAPS and stakeholders to demand accountability.

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Miss Tembisa, Munene Mukhombo, also spoke at the event.

She emphasised that the campaign is more than a once-off gathering.

“This initiative is a call to action for all stakeholders to take responsibility in the fight against crime.

“Community participation is essential. We want to raise awareness, highlight crime issues, educate residents on prevention, and strengthen collaboration with police, security organisations and community leaders,” she said.

She added that residents should be encouraged to voice concerns, identify crime hotspots, and participate in guided walks to help assess security gaps.

However, not all residents felt hopeful.

One community member said: “There is nothing new about these events. Police say the same things without action.

“We only have three police stations for all of Thembisa, how can that possibly reduce crime? Some commanders are corrupt, and they don’t even want residents at these meetings.”

Thokoza Katlegohong Vosloorus (TKV) commander, Victor Dube, explained that neighbourhood watches and patroller groups are also active in Gauteng, working with organisations such as Tata Zonke and Yizo Yizo.

“TKV stands for protecting the community against any crime, whether GBV, drugs, burglaries or car thefts,” said Dube.

“We want each township section to have patrollers, supported by the community, so that together we can fight crime in South Africa.”

The event also included the distribution of food parcels to victims of gender-based violence and other beneficiaries.

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However, many recipients were absent and the parcels were taken back, leaving residents frustrated.

Some questioned why the parcels could not be given to those present and in need.

Tensions rose further when the police left immediately after the distribution, without addressing residents’ questions, sparking accusations of evading accountability.

Despite these frustrations, some residents believe such campaigns are valuable.

“We’ve received informative pamphlets and contact details for support. I think there’s been a noticeable reduction in crime in Thembisa since Premier Panyaza Lesufi’s visit,” said Joyce Zwane.