• Thabile Mange writes:

Crime has spiralled out of control in Gauteng and other parts of the province such as Diepsloot. Criminals do as they please and commit crimes without the fear of being apprehended, a cause for concern.

The overwhelmed and overworked police are struggling to curb this challenge. In certain instances, they either perpetuate crime or are part of it. And they seem to be bankrupt of ideas on how to contain this scourge.

Sometime this year, the Gauteng premier introduced an army of police to help fight crime in the province, working alongside the police. The premier has promised to increase the number of these police.

However, the Gauteng premier was criticised by various stakeholders for introducing this unit called amapanyaza. Some said it is populist and introduced to woo voters next year. Is it? There is no easy answer.

Since June this year or earlier, criminals have been invading people’s houses and demanding money, cellphones, laptops and other valuables. They also demand bank cards such as debit and credit cards.

Recently, more than five houses (five is too many) have been invaded by these unwelcomed visitors in Kagiso. They took everything they could lay their hands on. As a result, residents live in fear.

Small businesses are also targeted. Two salons were robbed in my local area. One salon belongs to a friend. Customers cellphones and money were taken. People are now scared to go to salons. Is that life?

In response to the crime situation, communities have formed patrolling teams.

These teams patrol at night and during the wee hours of the night. During the day, the teams relax and lower their guards.

These criminals have realised that communities are vigilant at night. Now they pounce in broad daylight. They target quiet areas, where there is less movement of people and cars. However, busy areas are not immune.

Few people cannot hold residents to ransom and get away with murder. We need to do something to stop this nonsense. It is time the police and communities work together to curb this challenge. Otherwise, criminals will continue with impunity.