LIMPOPO – A group of former police officers in the Vhembe region has pledged to use their experience to help fight crime in the Makhado policing cluster.

Known as the Londanani Pensioners Club, the group which includes several former station commanders, met at the Makhado Showgrounds on November 18 to discuss how they can support the police and local communities.

Speaking at the gathering, retired officer Dennis Nenweli said the group aims to help strengthen policing and restore public confidence.

He said he was concerned that some officers were failing the community by not performing their duties effectively. “As retired police officers, we want to assist both the police and the community to uproot crime. We see the current police losing the battle as long as some officers work hand-in-hand with criminals. Taking bribes is corruption, and corruption stands in the way of safety and security.”

Nenweli reminded active officers of the oath they took, saying they should serve with loyalty and honesty.

“Police rifles should not be used to harm law-abiding citizens, but to target criminals who have made our country ungovernable,” he said.

He called on communities and stakeholders in the cluster to work closely with the police in fighting crime. “We miss the industry. Many of us spent decades in policing. We miss the diversity of the work, our colleagues and working with those who became a part of our lives,” he said.

Nenweli condemned all forms of crime, including the rise in ritual murders and said the power of prayer and unity can help heal the wounds caused by violence in Vhembe.

Former Tshilwavhusiku Police Station Commander Mashudu Muedi also addressed the gathering, warning corrupt officers who collaborate with criminals.

“The majority of police officers are dedicated ambassadors of peace who perform their duties with integrity. But there are certain elements that must be rooted out because they protect criminals. Police officers must work hard to maintain the trust placed in them by the community.

“We urge all people with information about crime to come forward so that perpetrators can be brought to book.”