BOPHELONG – What was intended to be a proactive effort to address the challenges faced by communities in the fight against crime took a dramatic turn on Sunday when Gauteng Community Safety MEC Faith Mazibuko’s entourage was met with a barrage of stones during Operation Wanya Tsotsi in the Marikana informal settlement in Bophelong.
The operation, which aimed to bolster community engagement, form partnerships with local structures, and mobilize residents in the collective fight against crime, was marred by an unexpected eruption of violence.
As MEC Mazibuko arrived in some parts of Marikana together with the MMCs among others, she was met with a hostile reception as community members began hurling stones at her entourage.
In the effort to strengthen the fight against crime, the @GP_CommSafety MEC, Faith Mazibuko together with the Portfolio Committee Chairperson, Bandile Masuku and MMCs from Emfuleni, Mogale City and Rand-West Municipality today, conducted Operation Wanya Tsotsi in Bophelong. pic.twitter.com/7s02vtuYpV
— GP Department of Community Safety (@GP_CommSafety) October 8, 2023
This shocking incident left bystanders and officials alike bewildered, as they had gathered to engage in a meaningful dialogue about improving safety and security in the area.
Local authorities had been working tirelessly to address the pressing concerns related to crime, but the violent outburst threatened to derail these efforts.
Speaking to the media, Mazibuko said the visit to Marikana wasn’t the first to happen and definitely not the last.
“Just last week Friday, we were in this same area to address the challenges of crime. People are not feeling safe, that’s solely why we have to conduct a visible policing programme. We had raids in this area and we will continue as long as our people are not safe,” she said.
MEC Mazibuko, together with safety officials and ambassadors conducted a walk about in the Bophelong area where community members were educated on the services and programs of the department.
The homes of wanted suspects in the community were also visited.
#takecharge pic.twitter.com/tJQjXkpyDc
— GP Department of Community Safety (@GP_CommSafety) October 8, 2023
Among other issues Mazibuko addressed, was the satellite police station in Bophelong which is in the process of being converted into a proper precinct.
“That police station is in the process of being upgraded to a fully-fledged police station. Unfortunately, they using a proper of the municipality. We have requested through the municipality to identify land, where the police can set up a fully-fledged station. The population is growing, that’s why it’s important that there is a station,” she said.
Addressing the stoning, Public Safety MMC, Ndade Mokoena said “This is not the first-time people have been attacked in this area. The last time we conducted Operation Shanela, the police were attacked and a traffic vehicle was damaged when the community started to throw stones. This is something the residents are getting used to.”
Vanderbijlpark Visible Policing Commander Colonel and Acting Station Commander Van Wyk said “It is sad that we got such a reaction coming from the community. The launch of Wanya Tsotsi is to assist the same residents to get safe, to get that reaction is disappointing.”
