Birchleigh North residents raise concerns over rising crime at community meeting

Community members of Birchleigh North and surrounding areas met with SAPS, the CPF and Ward 91 Clr Desmond McKenzie on September 25 at the Choen Scholtz Community Centre to discuss the alarming spike in crime in the area.

Residents were eager to meet the Norkem Park SAPS station commander; however, she did not attend. The EMPD also failed to participate, despite prior invitations.

“The meeting resolved to hold a follow-up in November 2025, which will include all stakeholders, including SAPS, EMPD and other relevant parties.

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“Attendance from the community was noted but still not satisfactory, and residents are encouraged to participate in future meetings,” McKenzie said.

“The community remains concerned about the lack of representation from key stakeholders and hopes for better attendance in the future. Collaborative efforts are essential to address the crime situation and ensure a safer sector,” he added.

Residents expressed gratitude to sector manager Warrant Officer Johannes Fourie and the CPF for their attendance and participation.

Key issues raised included the increase in crime, the need for visible policing, and the lack of confidence in the Norkem Park Police Station.

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Some residents voiced frustration over the lack of feedback on reported cases and the unavailability of high-level crime statistics due to SAPS protocols.

“I have to be a concerned Birchleigh North citizen because we had quite a few break-ins on our road. I wanted to see what the police are doing to prevent this. I learned a lot from CPF today, but I want to be more preventative.

“People have low confidence in SAPS, and I understand they’re under-resourced and understaffed,” said resident Mario Richards.

The CPF thanked the community for their continued support and encouraged residents to use WhatsApp groups to communicate any crime concerns. Residents also highlighted frustrations that their cases are often not taken seriously. One resident shared that he had opened a robbery case, but no progress had been made.

Fourie assured the community that arrests are being made and cases are being treated seriously. He explained that once a case reaches the national stage, SAPS’s capacity to intervene is limited.

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Community member Gloria Thabo said she had expected to see the station commander and EMPD representatives provide answers on crime statistics, bylaws, and measures to rebuild trust between law enforcement and residents.

Despite frustrations, residents agreed the meeting was productive. One resolution suggested the introduction of a community suggestion box, where case numbers could be recorded during meetings. This would allow updates on resolved cases, court outcomes, and pending issues at future gatherings.