Tafelsig residents must work together to fight crime eroding the very fibre of their community, Brigadier Mark Hartzenberg, head of the Mitchell’s Plain police sub-district, told a public meeting on Saturday.
About 200 people attended the “imbizo” held by the Mitchell’s Plain police sub-district at Searidge Park Primary to address ongoing crime and violence in the area .
Community Safety and Police Oversight MEC Anroux Marais was there along with representatives of City and Province law enforcement, the departments of correctional services and social development, the South African Social Security Agency, the National Prosecuting Authority, community police forums, neighbourhood watches and residents.
“This crime imbizo is more than a meeting; it is a call to action, a commitment to collective responsibility and a promise to claim back our communities. Collectively, we need to make a call that together we are going to take action to address the scourge of crime in our area,” said Brigadier Hartzenberg.
Crime threatened everyone, he said, adding: “It breaks and erodes trust, feeds fear and undermines social cohesion.
“The statistics are concerning for murder and attempted murder, especially here in Tafelsig and Beacon Valley. But we should not be defined by these statistics. We must respond in unity, determination and a shared vision to create a safer environment and ensure a safer future for our children.”
Mitchell’s Plain’s junior station commander Qaadirah Bardien and junior branch commander Toshcka Martin, who both attend Rocklands High, said young people were concerned about crime.
“As young people, we see many injustices around us, especially those affecting children,” said Toshcka.
“Young people in conflict with the law should be offered a chance to make amends though community service,” she said.
During the community feedback session, members of the Mitchell’s Plain CPF and neighbourhood watches also raised their concerns.
