JMPD Region B struggles with lack of staff
CBD gets priority over other Joburg regions resulting in frustrated JMPD members who are left short staffed.
Superintendent Simon Maluleke of JMPD Region B has expressed his frustration at the lack of available manpower needed to adequately fulfil the roles and responsibilities of the department.
Operation Buya Mthetho (bring back the law) has been implemented in the CBD with Metro police officers being pulled from all regions, resulting in massive shortfalls in other areas.
Maluleke said a full shift of members had a complement of 32 officers. With the current operation in place, the whole of Region B with 12 wards, sometimes only has eight officers per shift.
The officers are still responsible for all patrols, stop and search operations, and undercover operations conducted.
Metro police spokesperson Xolani Fihla confirmed the operation was underway and ‘will continue until crime levels in the CBD drop below current levels. “We understand the frustrations of JMPD officers who are working with fewer members, and we are working hard to resume normal operations as soon as possible.”
This, unfortunately, means indefinite frustration for Maluleke and his colleagues. He said, “It is difficult to operate in some areas when our numbers are so low. We are trying our level best to be of service to the community but it’s hard.”
Public Safety MMC David Tembe Tembe said, “The intention is to bring lawlessness in the city of Johannesburg to its knees. Gone are the days when criminals ruled the city and intimidated our residents with total disregard for the law.”
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