CRIME in Diepsloot, north of Joburg seems to have gone down just over a week since residents embarked on a march against increased crime in the area.
"To be honest with you, since the march to the police station, we have not witnessed any sign of crime. One would have anticipated a killing or even robberies this past long weekend, but none of that. I can say crime has really gone down," Diepsloot resident Vincent Ndau said.
The area has a history of violent crime, including murders and robberies, which has led to disruptive protests and calls for the president and ministers to step in.
In June, the area witnessed one protest and a march, with the first protest involving tear gas and burning tyres and stones.
The protest was sparked by the death of a Community Protection Forum member who was allegedly shot at while attending a crime scene.
In September, the community marched to the police station to hand over their memorandum of demands, including permanent deployment of TRT in the area and continued visibility of police.
Speaking to Daily Sun, Vincent said they have seen police visibility in the area, especially on the main roads. He, however, hopes these officials can also make their way inside the area where there are informal houses where crime is rife.
But not all residents are as hopeful as Vincent as one resident said that although things seem to have died down, crime still exists in the area.
"Crime still exists in Diepsloot, and we are still living in fear. As you know, Diepsloot is very big. Criminals go section by section. That's why now the community involved themselves by using whistles so that they can alert each other," she said.
Commenting on the never-ending battle to end crime in the area, forensic investigator and crime expert Calvin Rafadi suggested management restructuring within the police stations.
"We need someone who can collect information from the people on the ground. Other solutions include tackling each issue individually, like the housing and crime issue, instead of trying to combine the two together," he said.
