Reducing crime through stronger partnerships with the community is the top priority for Tongaat Saps’ new station commander, Colonel Mxolisi Linda.

Linda, who officially took over the role in March, said closer collaboration with community policing forums (CPFs), security companies, Community in Blue members and schools will play a key role in tackling crime across the precinct.

Among Tongaat’s biggest crime challenges are house robberies, assault and vehicle theft.
Linda said Magwaveni remains the area’s biggest crime hotspot, followed by Hambanathi and Emona.

Drug-related crime also remains a major concern. Linda said officers had already made numerous drug arrests during July and would continue targeting dealers and users, as drug abuse often fuels violent crimes such as robbery, rape and murder.

While acknowledging that Tongaat, like many police stations across the country, operates with limited resources, Linda said officers must make the best use of what is available rather than using shortages as an excuse.

He also encouraged residents to report concerns directly to him, including allegations of police misconduct.

“My office is open. If community members notice anything wrong that is being done by our members, they must come and report it to me,” he said.

Linda also appealed to rape victims to continue pursuing their cases, assuring them that Saps can assist with transport to court where necessary.

Linda brings more than three decades of policing experience to the role, having joined the South African Police Service in 1992. During his career he has served at Hillcrest, Msunduzi, Hammarsdale and KwaDukuza, where he was the visible policing commander before being appointed station commander of Tongaat Saps.

His appointment follows the retirement of Tongaat Saps’ long-serving station commander, Colonel Santha Moodley, in May last year.

Linda described the officers at Tongaat Saps as committed and said he was encouraged by the support he had received since taking over the station.