THE days of gangs terrorising communities in and around Barberton, Mpumalanga, will soon be a thing of the past.
This is according to Mpumalanga MEC for community safety, security and liaison, Vusi Shongwe.
He was speaking during the Public Participation Programme (imbizo) that was held in Emjidini, outside Barberton, yesterday, 10 September.
The tough-talking Shongwe said he was concerned about the existence of gangs in the area.
He said some of the groups are used by dodgy business people in order to destabilise their competitors.
He explained that some old people use gangs because they mainly consist of under-age children who cannot be prosecuted.
“These are leaders and business people who use children to pursue their own ambitions.
“They include some tavern and taxi owners who want to destroy their rivals. Go and tell all those evil people that their days are numbered,” said Shongwe.
The MEC said they are working with various stakeholders to fight crime in the area.
He pleaded with the community to be involved in crime prevention initiatives as part of reclaiming the once- peaceful Barberton from criminals.
Most of the residents complained that the police took too long to respond to crime scenes and some worked with criminals.
They also called on the South African Police Service (SAPS) to rotate members at police stations to deal with corruption.
The issue of lack of feedback on cases opened was also discussed.
Another community member suggested that a police station should be built in the township to enable a quicker response to crime scenes.
One of the issues that is believed to be perpetuating crime is zama zamas.
These groupings are allegedly dominated by illegal foreign nationals.
Alcohol abuse was also cited as one of the contributors to high incidences of contact crimes.
Some residents complained about tavern owners who opened beyond trading hours.
Mpumalanga police commissioner Lieutenant-General Semakaleng Manamela told the imbizo that although crime in Barberton showed a decline for April to June 2022, the numbers were still high.
She said property related crimes, contact crimes and stock theft were some of the prevalent crimes in the area.
Manamela also highlighted that property related crime was exacerbated by some foreign nationals who were allegedly keeping large quantities of cash on their premises. also promised residents that allegations of corruption levelled against some police officers will be looked into.
She also urged communities with information on corrupt police officers to come forward so that such cases are investigated.
She pleaded with communities to not only complain about crime but also provide the police with information to solve cases.
“We cannot only complain about crime without giving the police information,” she said.
Yesterday’s programme was supported by the departments of correctional services, health and education, as well as the Independent Police Investigative Directorate, the City of Mbombela Local Municipality and traditional leaders.
