Community urged to work with police

The community of Nkundusi in Mtubatuba has been urged to work hand-in-hand with the police in the fight against crime.

This call was made at a recent community meeting where issues of stock theft, rape, disruptive community protests and empowerment were discussed.

The empowerment of young children to better appreciate wildlife and tourism was also part of the agenda, with a local game park pledging to assist 20 pupils in grades 5, 6 and 7 to go on a camp aimed at teaching them about this and the adverse effects of poaching on the local economy.

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Mtubatuba SAPS Vispol commander Lieutenant Colonel Nsibande raised concerns about the blockage of roads by some community members during protests.

“We condemn the action of blocking the roads.

“It is advisable that community members join the CPF, community in blue or whichever organisation works with the police,” said Nsibande.

Nsibande acknowledged the SAPS’ manpower was insufficient for the police to be visible at every sector of society at all times.

He emphasised the importance of SAPS raids of shebeens as these are places police have found house breakers and robbers, as well as rapists and other crime perpetrators.

“This can be avoided through working with a recognised community structure.

“Local headmen must inform all tuck shop owners to know business times, when they open and close shop,” said Nsibande.

Mtubatuba SAPS station commander Colonel Mpungose stressed the importance of police and the community of having round tables where common challenges, problems and solutions are shared.

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He said it was uncalled for that youth in the Nkundusi area were ‘terrorising’ the rural community.

“It is a pity that the youth are not attending this meeting when most rape cases are committed by the youth among themselves.

“Parents must look after their children to avoid them experiencing unnecessary abuse. At our station, we have social workers from LifeLine,” said Mpungose.

He also emphasised the importance of a CPF which alerts the police about what is happening in the area.

“Those who are willing to fight crime with the police must also become sub-forums.

“The festive season is knocking and as the community you must mobilise yourself to fight any type of crime from the people who are coming from outside to have bashes in the area,” advised Mpungose.

SAPS Stock Theft commander Colonel Ntuli educated the community about the importance of reporting stock theft early, and that of branding animals.

“It is easy for the thieves to steal unbranded stock. Stray cattle must also be reported,” said Ntuli.

Ntuli also distributed to the community forms for registering animal identification, and requested the community to supply the police with information that can lead to arrests in ongoing investigations.

The local Induna, Mr Mlondo, thanked the police for coming to teach the Nkundusi community about stock theft and the community safety forum.

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