Midrand residents called on police to strengthen their response to violent crime, improve accountability and rebuild community confidence following a series of murders and gender-based violence cases.

The call came during a community vigil held at Midrand Police Station on September 20, where residents and community leaders gathered to remember victims of violent crime and demand greater action from law enforcement.

Read more: Police investigate after person of interest in Tembisa murder found dead in Midrand

The gathering, which started at noon, was spearheaded by community leaders Bonginkosi Nhlapo, Lulama Mfingwana and Lebogang Shovhote. As part of the action, the leaders formally handed over a petition to the police outlining residents’ concerns and expectations regarding safety in Midrand.

They want the response to set out what measures the station intends to implement, including steps to improve community safety, accountability and relations between police and residents.

Shovhote said the handing over of the petition should not be viewed as the end of the community’s efforts to address violent crime. “As a community, we are committed to continued mobilisation and engagement with all spheres of our community and relevant law enforcement structures to strengthen safety and prevent further tragedies,” she said.

She said the alleged murder of Minenhle Mjali, a young woman killed earlier this year in Noordwyk, remained a painful reminder of the need for communities to remain vigilant and actively involved in fighting violent crime. “We must work together to ensure that her story is not repeated,” said Shovhote.

Also read: Rabie Ridge police open inquest after man found drowned in Klipfontein stream

The community leaders also urged residents to play an active role in improving safety in their neighbourhoods by attending community meetings, reporting suspicious activity and engaging with law-enforcement structures.

“Be your neighbour’s keeper. Look out for one another. Attend community meetings. Engage with law enforcement. Report suspicious activity. Support initiatives that seek to protect our communities,” said Nhlapo.

The leaders said tackling violent crime could not be left solely to the police or other government institutions, but required cooperation between residents, community structures and law-enforcement agencies.

Also read: Ivory Park residents call for stronger police action as crime fears grow

“Community safety is not the responsibility of one person, one organisation or one institution. It is a collective responsibility. Our voices must continue to be heard, our communities must remain organised, and our commitment to safer neighbourhoods must continue beyond a single day or event.”

The community is now awaiting the police’s response to the petition, with residents expected to continue engaging authorities on the concerns raised.

The station confirmed the petition was received and signed by the station’s Vispol commander, Colonel Duka Mokwena. Residents requested a response within 21 working days.

The petition demanded:

• Strengthen community security: Increase visible and proactive policing in Midrand, particularly in areas where residents are vulnerable to violent crime, and implement effective crime-prevention measures.
• Restore trust between police and residents: Establish meaningful, regular and transparent engagement with residents and ensure that community safety concerns are heard and acted upon.
• Accountability for police misconduct: Ensure that any police official found, through due process, to be involved in criminality, corruption, abuse of authority or the facilitation of crime is subjected to appropriate disciplinary and/or criminal proceedings.
• Uphold Batho Pele (people first) principles: Residents must be treated with dignity, courtesy, fairness and professionalism when seeking assistance from the police. The Batho Pele Principles must be reflected in the station’s service to the community.
• Strengthen the response to GBV and violent crime: Ensure that reports of GBV, murder, threats, and violent crimes are treated with urgency, sensitivity, and professionalism, with preventative and investigative measures.

Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates!