“As much as the focus today was on the de-bushing of the area, this was also an indirect message to criminals that they have nowhere to hide. They had better start repenting now and stop their bad ways or start running to the sea because they have no place in South Africa.”
Lesiba Nkhumane, Tlokwe’s manager of public safety gave a stern warning to criminals who are killing, raping, assaulting and robbing members of the community in the bushes in Ikageng.
Tlokwe Municipality, through the Community Safety Forum, together with a dedicated team from different municipal departments embarked on a de-bushing campaign on a crime hot spot between Sarafina, Top City and Extension 7 last Friday.
According to Nkhumane, these criminals hide in the bushes during the day and pounce on unsuspecting pedestrians and commit all sorts of violent crimes.
“Police crime statistics suggest that this problem is much bigger than the community can imagine and most cases are not reported,” he said. “Other areas with a similar challenge will receive attention to ensure that there is no environment for criminals to thrive. This area will be closely monitored and, as soon as the vegetation grows, it will be removed again until a long-term solution such as the development of a park or sports field is established,” he promised.

Ikageng SAPS spokesperson, Const. Kelebogile Trom says the management would like to thank all the departments that were part of this project. “We still urge our community members to avoid using footpaths and school learners to be vigilant and always walk in groups on their way to and from school,” she advised.
Participants in the de-bushing campaign included the SAPS, correctional services, disaster management, the NPA department, social development, the health department, community services, infrastructure, community health workers, NGOs and CBOs like Banna ba Kae, Thakaneng, Ikageng CPF and other departments.