SECUNDA – Ms Ayanda Dlodlo, Minister of State Security, believes that crime is perpetuated by poor parenting systems.
Addressing locals who last month attended the launch of a campaign against crime, drug abuse and gender-based violence at the Lillian Ngoyi Centre, the minister called on parents to take their rightful position and raise their children well.
She said parents have a responsibility to teach and train their children and not to shift responsibility to schools and churches.
Ms Dlodlo said families should spend time together and speak about all social ills.
She said a good parenting system can help reduce crime.
Ms Dlodlo asked religious and traditional leaders to speak out against crime and gender-based violence.
She also called on locals to cooperate with police and not to work against them.
“I never want to see a situation in South Africa where the police are being attacked by the community.
“Police officers should never find themselves in a position where they have to open fire because they are under attack.
“Do not put the police in that position, because if you do, they will retaliate.
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“Imagine watching on TV that the police are being attacked and chased away by criminals – will you ever have hope?
“We must respect the police and allow them to do their job,” said Ms Dlodlo.
The campaign was organised by the Parliamentary Constituency Office of the Govan Mbeki Municipality after they received complaints from the public about the high levels of crime against women and children.
Various stakeholders, including the police, traditional leaders, churches, civil society formations, government departments, taxi operators, schools and business were consulted about the campaign.
Mr Fidel Mambo from the Parliamentary Constituency Office said they organised the event to echo the fight against crime.
According to him, crime in the area has become uncontrollable.
“We visited schools, clinics and the hospital.
“We were disappointed that criminals actually went to the extent of attacking nurses.
“In one of the clinics we were informed that a gang stormed into a labour ward while nurses were delivering a baby.
“This is not right.
“We have also realised that there is a need to increase police officers to reduce crime in the area. We will continue with the fight against crime until it is reduced.”
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