Pretoria residents urged not to partake in lawlessness

Residents of Pretoria are being urged not to take the law into their own hands in the ‘ongoing’ fight with alleged drug peddlers in the city.

Acting MMC for roads and transport and MMC for safety and security Alderman Karen Meyer said: “the City had learnt of further possible disruptions across the City’s roads by individual taxi drivers on Monday.”

Meyer said the decision by the taxi operators to embark on further protest action was allegedly taken at the funeral service of slain taxi driver Jabu Baloyi on Sunday in Soshanguve.

The Justice Crime Prevention (JCPS) cluster, encouraged members of the community and law-abiding citizens to rather work together with law enforcement officials to fight the culture of drug peddling that was rife in communities.

ALSO READ: UPDATE: Taxi protest against ‘drug peddlers’ erupts in Pretoria CBD again

“Community members should report all criminal activities to the nearest police station and they should join recognised Community Policing Forums,” said Siphiwe Dlamini Spokesperson for the JCPS cluster.

This comes after recent incidents that were witnessed in Pretoria Central Business District (CBD) last week when a peaceful protest for the killing of Jabu Baloi, a taxi driver, turned violent.

Dlamini said “the cluster is willing to partner with any sector that wishes to make a positive contribution to fighting crime.

“At the same time as the cluster, we want to send a strong message to the drug peddlers that drug peddling will not be tolerated in our society and it has no place to continue to thrive.”

Dlamini said law enforcement officials would not hesitate to apply the full might of the law.

“Drug dealers have no place in our communities because they are killing the future of our young people.”

“Furthermore, it is disappointing to receive reports that some of the law enforcement officials are alleged to be in cohort (sic) with the drug dealers.”

ALSO READ: UPDATE: Violent protest flares up in Pretoria CBD after taxi shooting

He said law enforcement officials were expected to uphold the rule of law and ensure that communities were kept safe.

“We want to assure our communities that our investigating team is working day and night to root out all forms of corruption within the ranks of the law enforcement officials.”

He said if any member of the police was found to be working with alleged drug peddlers, they would be dealt with in the harshest manner.

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