Pimville residents condemn broken communication with law enforcement
Residents demand accountability and improved communication with law enforcement after a string of unresolved crimes were seen.
The Pimville Crime Prevention Committee (PCPC) convened an emergency meeting to address the alarming breakdown in communication between communities and law enforcement.
Chaired by Sam Ndlovu, the committee comprises the CPF and Community Patrollers from Pimville, Kliptown, and Klipspruit.
Residents vent frustrations
Takalani Siphume, a victim of an attempted hijacking, shared his frustrating experience with the investigating officer.
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Despite his efforts to provide evidence, the officer made excuses, citing a lack of transportation to collect footage.
Siphume offered to provide his vehicle, but they could not obtain the footage, it was automatically deleted from the system after 30 days.
“I even suggested we request footage from a nearby building, but the officer claimed the camera’s radius did not cover the road.
“However, when I returned, I was offered the footage that the officer had to retrieve,” Siphume said.
A call for action
Patrick Papate criticised the community’s tolerance for corruption, citing a previous instance where police vehicles were provided but patrols ceased shortly after.
“We marched to Kliptown to complain to the then Police Minister Bheki Cele about crime and lack of police vehicles. They provided vehicles, but patrols stopped after the first week. Nothing came out of it,” Papate said.
He urged the committee to escalate the matter to the Gauteng SAPS provincial commissioner.
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“Holding meetings with people who continuously fail the community cannot change anything. We need to take action.”
He proposed establishing a community-funded security structure, utilising funds to purchase vehicles and firearms, and creating employment opportunities for the youth.
Brian Khumalo from the CPF announced an upcoming crime imbizo at the police station, encouraging leaders to document challenges.
Committee’s next steps
Robert Ramathebane, speaking on behalf of the committee, emphasised the need for improved communication between the community, CPF, and SAPS.
“The communication does not bring the results we expect. We will take the matter up with the station commander first.”
Ramathebane noted previous consultations with the station commander yielded no results because of a divided community.
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“If the CPF does not work with CP and police are not a central body facilitating that relationship, challenges persist.”
He said the committee would meet with Kliptown SAPS management to raise concerns.
Upcoming events
• Meeting with Kliptown SAPS management.
• Crime imbizo (date and venue to be confirmed).
