Galashewe residents call for end to ‘lip service’ in fight against crime

TAKING a stand against crime, about 250 residents staged a peaceful march to the Galeshewe police station this week, calling for stronger and more visible action against criminals.

Community leader Lawrence Mkhwanazi said children were being robbed on their way to school, while adults were frequently targeted as they travelled to and from work. 

He added that homes were repeatedly broken into and warned that the ongoing vandalism of street lights and other municipal infrastructure was creating dark, unsafe areas that fuelled criminal activity.

Mkhwanazi also called for a ban on face masks, which he said were being used by criminals to conceal their identities. He criticised community policing forums, describing them as “political mouth organs” instead of effective anti-crime bodies.

“Police vans are being used to go to Shoprite or to collect girlfriends. We don’t want lip service - we need free and safe living environments.” 

He added that he had asked the ward councillor and the Sol Plaatje Municipality to address infrastructure vandalism. He further recommended arrests for illegal gambling and urged police to close down illegal taverns and houses reportedly being used by foreign nationals to sell drugs and hide stolen goods.

Kimberley SAPS station commander Brigadier Nicky Mtongana acknowledged the challenge of identifying criminals who cover their faces with caps and masks.

“It is a challenge for us. During a robbery, it is difficult to identify them if we manage to get video footage,” Mtongana said. He added that masks were originally introduced for health reasons during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“This matter needs to be taken up with the Department of Health and is not part of our responsibilities,” he said.

Mtongana also advised the community to approach the Sol Plaatje Municipality as the custodian of public infrastructure. 

He welcomed residents’ willingness to work with the police to combat crime.