Frustration over crime, gender-based violence, drug abuse, and illegal immigration dominated discussions at a packed Ministerial gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) crime prevention imbizo held at Lord Khanyile Hall on August 4.

The engagement, led by deputy minister of police Dr Polly Boshielo and Gauteng provincial commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni, gave residents a rare opportunity to raise their concerns directly with senior government leaders and law enforcement officials.

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Among those in attendance were Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, Johannesburg deputy executive mayor Loyiso Masuku, and other stakeholders.

Opening the engagement, Mthombeni said the police remained committed to listening to communities and strengthening partnerships in the fight against crime. “GBVF remains a priority, and it requires a collaborative approach between government, law enforcement agencies, community policing structures, civil society, faith-based organisations, and every law-abiding citizen.”

With the Ivory Park Police Station among Gauteng’s highest contributors to contact crime, residents voiced concerns ranging from poor police visibility and limited resources to allegations of police corruption, illegal immigration, drug dealing, by-law enforcement, and poor service delivery.

Ward 133 resident Agrenet Maake described the challenges facing the Mabena informal settlement, calling it a crime hotspot. “Our informal settlement is overcrowded. Crime is too much. There is GBV, drugs, and muggings. We have been pleading with SAPS, home affairs, and the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department to conduct regular blitz operations and ‘Know Your Neighbour’ campaigns.”

Senior police officials responded to policing-related questions, while other government representatives addressed concerns falling within their respective departments.

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Lesufi reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to supporting law enforcement through additional resources, including vehicles and aircraft. He also highlighted efforts to combat substance abuse among young people. “When I called for children addicted to drugs, 23 000 children came forward, but we could only accommodate 9 000. We are putting measures in place to assist even more children later this year.”

Lesufi also issued a strong appeal for the protection of women and children. “There must be no society that hates its own women and children. Women deserve to be loved, not to be killed. Anyone who believes they have the right to abuse women has no place in our society.”

Delivering the keynote address, Boshielo said women’s month should be a time to celebrate the achievements of women while confronting the continued scourge of GBVF.

She described the country’s levels of violence against women, children, and vulnerable groups as unacceptable, and urged communities to report offenders. The deputy minister also encouraged families to report cases of statutory rape, so perpetrators can be brought to justice.

The imbizo formed part of government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen co-operation between communities, law enforcement, and other stakeholders in developing practical and sustainable solutions to crime affecting Ivory Park and surrounding areas.

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