Police warn people to avoid walking alone
"Walk in groups of at least five to 10 people to avoid being robbed or becoming the next victim of crime."
The Mamelodi East CPF encouraged members of the public to avoid footpaths and isolated areas for their own safety.
Chairperson of the organisation, Eddie Mnguni, said with the winter season it gets dark earlier.
“Therefore, we plead with the public to walk in groups in the morning and in the afternoon to avoid being robbed of their belongings.”
He said Operation Jinda is an annual safety operation whereby the CPF members patrol in identified hotspot areas around Mamelodi.
“The aim of patrolling our neighbourhood is to keep the community and properties safe at all times.”
Members of the public going to work in the morning have been targeted by criminals in the early hours.
The CPF said they are working hand in hand with the police.
“Jinda officially started on Tuesday morning in ward 23 and we are planning to spread it to other wards, encouraging people to start their own street committees,” he said.
“The youth need to get involved in these patrols and start walking their parents, sisters and girlfriends in the morning when going to work.”
He said to avoid becoming the next victim, the public was advised to walk in groups to avoid being robbed.
“Isolated areas are hotspot areas because criminals hide in the bush and would attack anyone walking alone in the dark,” said Mnguni.
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The CPF also donated whistles to people for when they sense danger while going to work.
“Walk in groups of at least five to 10 people to avoid being robbed or becoming the next victim. We hope people take this message very seriously.
“There is police visibility, but the community must please use alternative routes or walk in groups.
“Most of these crimes occur in the morning and the afternoon when people are going to work,” said Mnguni.
Members of the public were also advised to report any crime or any suspicious-looking person to the police on 08600 10 111.
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