Maake residents take to the streets against crime in their community

HUNDREDS of residents from Lenyenye marched to the Maake police station last Wednesday to protest against poor police service and the high rate of crime in the township.

The residents chanted songs denouncing the police for their alleged failure to effectively fight crime while on their way to hand their memorandum of demands to the station commander, Col Schalk van Schalkwyk.

Amongst others, residents are demanding a 24-hour police patrol in the township, quick response to the scene of a crime, enough police vehicles to ensure visibility, effective control measures against crime be put in place, thorough investigation of cases, and that drastic action be taken against any member of the police found to be involved in criminal activities.

Residents also complained about the language used by the police when answering telephone calls and interviewing suspects and witnesses.

They say most police officials were Shangaan-speaking while about 98% of residents are Sepedi-speaking.

Some residents accused the police of befriending criminals and taking bribes. “As a result of police actions criminals roam the streets terrorising residents,” said one concerned resident.

Residents further demanded that there be accountability and transparency in police dealings with members of the community.

The residents gave the police seven days to respond to their memorandum of demands.

Van Schalkwyk said the station management would study the concerns raised in the memorandum before responding.

“If necessary we will refer some of the issues raised to the office of the Tzaneen cluster police commander, Maj Gen Maggie Mathebula,” Van Schalkwyk said.