SAPS urge parents, residents to take responsibility for safety and crime prevention
“If everyone in the community takes responsibility, we can create a crime-free society.”
eMbalenhle Police Station commander Colonel Khuselwa Matrose has raised concerns after a march by early childhood development (ECD) centres and the Department of Social Development to the station on June 13.
They handed a memorandum of demands to management during the protest. Matrose questioned the aim of the march and warned against parents shifting their responsibilities onto the police.
“As we continue to deal with the growing issue of missing children, the Department of Social Development and ECD centres marched to the station, demanding more protection from the police,” said Matrose.
“In response, I asked the organisers to bring all the parents whose children attend these centres because some are avoiding their own responsibilities and want to shield themselves behind the police.”
She emphasised that the police cannot be expected to monitor every household.
“If everyone in the community takes responsibility, we can create a crime-free society.”
Matrose also outlined additional challenges affecting her station, including liquor outlets that violate licensing conditions.
“People come to eMbalenhle from nearby towns to drink. Many outlets operate beyond permitted hours, leading to stabbings, assaults, car accidents and drug abuse,” she said.
She criticised community members who rent rooms to drug dealers but claimed ignorance when questioned by the police.
“What do you think when you see young boys constantly going in and out of your yard, heading to a tenant’s room? You must report such activity to the police.”
Matrose urged residents to stop blaming the police and instead reflect on their roles in building a safer community.
She concluded by encouraging the public to join sector crime forums and work with the police to help make eMbalenhle safer.
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