Police minister Bheki Cele comes to Nkobongo

Police minister Bheki Cele made a ‘surprise’ visit to Nkobongo last weekend and was warmly welcomed by residents.

Cele went door-to-door as part of an ANC election campaign, speaking to residents about the challenges they faced with crime and the local police.

While crime in the township near Shakaskraal remains high, Stanger residents together with the DA and ANC have, for the past three months, been calling for Cele to visit their area and discuss an intervention plan.

WATCH: 500 strong DA crime march to KwaDukuza SAPS

Last year’s crime statistics showed a 1.4 percent conviction rate for rape, murder, and robbery and zero percent conviction for hijacking in Stanger.

DA member of parliament and Ilembe constituency head, Dean Macpeherson said it was clear that Cele put the ANC’s interests ahead of residents who have been begging for help.

He said the DA was to submit a petition to national assembly speaker Baleka Mbete to hold Cele accountable for his steadfast refusal to address the crisis unfolding in Stanger.

“It has now been 80 days since the DA requested the police minister to visit Stanger and address this failure by his police officers to protect the community. It has been more than two weeks since the DA march with residents to the police station demanding Cele comes to Stanger which he has arrogantly not acceded to.

“It is becoming abundantly clear that the Minister, the police and the ANC simply don’t care about the criminal paradise that Stanger has become.

“We are also demanding a turnaround plan from the police including our request for the entire station management to be fired.”

The mister’s office has not replied as to whether Bheki Cele plans to visit Stanger at the time of publication.

Do you want to receive news alerts via WhatsApp? Send us a WhatsApp message (not an sms) with your name and surname to 061 718 4438.

Please read our WhatsApp broadcast list disclaimer.
Join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram