The Springs SAPS hosted a community engagement event at the Springs Shoprite parking lot last Thursday, giving residents an opportunity to voice their grievances about crime in the area.

Community members highlighted several concerns, including hijackings, corruption, and the lack of sector policing in known crime hotspots.

Springs Ext resident Elsie Thaobala said their neighbourhood is plagued by hijackings and cellphone robberies.

“The criminals park their cars in our area and steal from people passing by. We have reported this several times, but our cries have fallen on deaf ears. The main issue is the lack of visible policing. We see patrollers occasionally, and sometimes not at all,” she said.

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Springs Taxi Association member Sam Rapetsoa raised concerns about challenges faced during citizen arrests and alleged police interference in their efforts to fight crime.

“We have a serious problem with crime in Springs, and some police officers should be investigated because when we try to take action against criminals, they interfere instead of helping,” Rapetsoa said.

Wright Park resident and former CPF member Mzimkhulu Khumalo said their area is infested with crime. He recalled how, during his time with the CPF, patrols were conducted consistently throughout the day, something that no longer happens.

“We don’t see those patrol cars anymore. Some young boys sit at the shops drinking and smoking. In the past, that was not allowed, but now we constantly get messages in our community groups about someone being mugged. It feels like policing today is not what it used to be,” Rapetsoa said.

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