Residents from Albertsville, Greymont and neighbouring suburbs gathered at the Church of the Nazarene for a Sector 4 crime meeting to demand stronger police visibility and urgent action against crime.

Community members raised concerns over theft, drug dealing and illegal liquor outlets that they say are making their neighbourhoods unsafe.

Sergeant Benneth Maluleke, the Sector 4 manager at Sophiatown Police Station, said the meeting was intended to strengthen cooperation between police and residents. Maluleke said the purpose was “to engage with the community in dealing with matters affecting the sector and to strengthen the relationship between community and SAPS.”

Read more: Sophiatown, Brixton and Linden crime climbs as latest SAPS statistics reveal worrying trends

Meeting addresses crime and infrastructure

Among the primary challenges identified were the theft of gate motors, cable theft, theft out of motor vehicles, dealing in drugs and illegal liquor outlets. Residents also highlighted broader issues, including poor infrastructure and displaced individuals.

Drug dealing and illegal liquor outlets drew particular concern, with residents calling for decisive action against activities they believe fuel crime in the area.

SAPS promises intensified operations

Maluleke said police would “intensify operations to deal with drug issues”, while other government departments would be brought in to address social problems that fall outside direct policing duties.

He said there would be “involvement of all departments to deal with all social issues affecting the community.”

Also read: Albertsville residents urged to patrol streets and report crime after Sector 4 meeting

The meeting allowed residents to voice concerns directly to police while Sophiatown SAPS outlined plans to address crime and social challenges across Sector 4.

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