MBOMBELA – The new police minister, Mr Nkosinathi Nhleko urged police to work hand in hand with communities in the fight against crime.

“We will have to mobilise for maximum unity in our community to achieve our political mandate to have a united front against crime and corruption as well as a strong and well-coordinated justice system,” said Nhleko during his recent ministerial visit to the province.

He mentioned that even the ANC manifesto committed to combat corruption, building an inclusive economy and creating job opportunities which can only be achieved in a peaceful and stable country.

He urged station commanders and managers to work in partnership with other departments in the fight against crime, to conduct community outreach programmes, to increase police visibility and to have programmes aimed at enhancing the safety of marginalised and vulnerable groups.

The meeting, attended by the provincial commissioner, Lt Gen Thulani Ntobela and MEC for community safety, security and liaison, Mr Vusi Shongwe who urged the minister to speed up the process of opening a satellite police station built by Eskom in Witbank.

“Because of your busy schedule, you should fit us in so we can go and open the station, it’s long overdue,” said Shongwe.

Shongwe also voiced his concern about the dysfunctional CCTV cameras at the Nelspruit Police Station and emphasised the provincial slogan which is aimed against the killing of police officials. “Wabulala iphoyisa wabulala umphakathi,” he said.