Community threatens to take law into own hands
After sundown the drug dealers take over.
LYDENBURG – Members of the Mashishing community held a march on Tuesday to relay a clear message to the SAPS that they are tired of corruption and drugs in town.
Hundreds of residents and taxi owners made their way down Voortrekker Street to the police station where they demanded to speak to the station commander, Col Lota Motsileng, and handed over a memorandum regarding their concerns.
George Viljoen, the organiser of the march, told the newspaper during the protest that the community was sick and tired of alleged police corruption. “Drug lords get arrested, appear once in court and get granted bail or a warning. The community is fed up with this and we demand the SAPS take action against this. People feel that the SAPS and the Department of Justice and Constitution are not doing enough to protect us or our properties,” said Viljoen.
Viljoen and other protesters blocked off the entire length of Rensburg Street where the police station is situated. Members demanded to speak to Motsileng, but were informed that he was attending a meeting in Mbombela. The crowd was addressed by Viljoen in front of the station. A memorandum was handed over to Capt Phillip Mesete.
Viljoen said police had 12 hours to reply to the grievances of corruption and drug crimes in town. “We are not the future. Our children are,” he said. Several community members told Steelburger/Lydenburg News they feel let down by the police. “What is the use of arresting drug dealers if within two days after their first court appearance they are granted bail or let go with a warning? We have had enough, and if the police cannot assist us with getting rid of the Nigerians connected with the supply of drugs, we will have no choice but to take matters into our own hands.” Another one said this town used to be one of the safest. “
After sundown the drug dealers take over. Police sit with hands folded and don’t take action. I am certain that they have some kind of arrangement with these criminals. The same goes for court officials. “How can you be arrested multiple times for drug dealings and be released on bail each and every time?”
The crowd then proceeded to Lydenburg Magistrate’s Court, where the same memorandum was handed to court officials. The march dispersed peacefully, but not before residents again warned that they will take matters into their own hands should nothing be done or any adherence given to the memorandum. Capt Alfred Moela, communications officer of Lydenburg SAPS, said they cannot deny the issues at hand.
“Police are devising means to curb housebreakings in partnership with the community and it is yielding good results. Operations are being conducted on secondhand good shops and we are and will still be raiding the residences of drug dealers. We are also working closely with neighbouring police stations. The SAPS cannot win this battle alone. Should there be tangible information regarding officers working with criminals, this can be anonymously reported to either Col Motsileng or if there is a trust issue, Hawks’ Brig Obed Ngwenya on 082-565-6417.
“We urge the community to share information regarding the apparent involvement of officers in criminal activities,” said Moela. Regarding the memorandum, Moela said management will invite the leaders of the community to a meeting to find a suitable solution regarding the issues at hand.
