Crime-riddled CBD receives much-needed security beef-up

A satellite police station has been opened in the Pretoria CBD to tackle the rising cases of pick-pocketing, muggings, business robberies and shootings.

Tshwane mayor, Randall Williams, along with TMPD Senior Superintended Isaac Mahamba, Community Safety MMC, Karen Meyer and the chief of Tshwane metro police, Lieutenant-General Johanna Nkomo, launched an inner city police station on Monday.

Estate agency, City Property, donated the building in Struben Street.

The station was launched just down the street from where a third year Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) student was allegedly shot and killed at a nightclub on Thursday last week.

Police were, however “unaware” of the incident.

Police spokesperson, Colonel Dimakatso Sello, said they were investigating an attempted murder case of a security officer working at Propaganda nightclub, who was shot on Thursday.

“There is no suspect arrested yet.”

Williams during the launch said the police station marked “another momentous milestone” for the Tshwane metro police department and the metro at large.

ALSO READ: Seven pedestrians knocked down in east accident

“As we officially open a new TMPD satellite station in the inner city, the safety and well-being of our communities will be one of the key priorities of this administration because we strongly believe that residents ought to feel safe in the city they call home.”

He said the station would be manned by 100 TMPD officers.

“A hundred officers will be allocated to the station in two shifts, meaning there will be 50 members at any given time.”

Williams said these were “impressive” strides, which would lead to increased visible policing, creating a safe inner city and attract investment and businesses in Tshwane.

“The issue of crime and safety in South Africa is a serious matter. Year after year, our country’s crime statistics tell a horrifying story, from the brutal murders, to robberies and hijackings.

“Here at home like in all other large metros, the Tshwane inner city is one of the most affected areas where our residents are confronted with crime daily in the form of pick-pocketing, muggings, business robberies, the list is endless,” said Williams.

He added that if the metro left issues of crime unattended, the criminal activities would harm Tshwane’s social and economic development.

“Businesses will relocate elsewhere, people will have a limited freedom of movement and access to public spaces. This means we need a multi-faceted approach to ensure the safety of our residents.”

He said TMPD law enforcement and other stakeholders such as the South African Police Service, community members, business, and civil society groups could now work together, to create safer living spaces for all in the area.

Williams said the satellite station would afford members the opportunity to respond promptly to issues of safety in the CBD area “where there is often an increased risk of crime”.

The satellite station is the third TMPD satellite station established, since the unveiling of the Hatfield and Garsfontein stations.

“We will continue to aim for increased visible policing in strategic areas.”

Williams urged the CBD communities to give support and respect metro police when they carried out their duties.

Chief of Tshwane metro police, Lieutenant-General Johanna Nkomo, said she was ecstatic at the inner city station as people needed their services.

“We have unveiled the station to be nearer to the residents and visitors who need us. We can now protect and rid the city of crime.”

Community safety MMC, Karen Meyer, said the third largest city in the world, would become more productive and effective as police access had now been brought to the forefront for residents.

“The centre will ensure no more delays in police response as the CBD area is a high density area with large volumes of traffic, leading to more opportunity for criminal elements.”

She said residents could expect more satellite stations across the metro, within the next five years.

Do you have more information about the story?

Please send us an email to editorial@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.

For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East

For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram