Residents vow to ‘rise up’ against drug lords if police fail to act

RESIDENTS of Club 2000 and Soul City have resolved to work with the SAPS to fight escalating crime in the area – but have warned that they will not back down against drug lords.

The community had given the SAPS until October 28 to meet with them, failing which they threatened to occupy the Kagisho police station and take over crime-prevention duties.

About 200 community members attended the meeting on Tuesday, where a memorandum was handed over to the Frances Baard district commissioner, Major-General Gabathata Charlotte Makgari.

Residents complained about the lack of police vehicles and slow response times to call-outs reported at the Kagisho police station.

They warned that they would take matters into their own hands and retaliate against criminals if the SAPS did not assist them.

Community leader Thabiso Louw said residents had been injured while conducting their own drug raids and searches for stolen goods.

“We have identified a number of drug houses. Drug lords are shaking hands with police officers while community members are left powerless and warned not to act against criminals. It is only a matter of time before residents rise up against these drug lords. We will take back ownership of our streets and neighbourhoods. We outnumber the drug lords and, by standing together, we will drive them out of the city,” Louw warned.

He added that they were satisfied with the commissioner’s willingness to work with the community.

Makgari told residents that she would never disrespect them and explained that she had been unable to meet with them on October 18 due to unforeseen circumstances.

She invited community members to join the Community in Blue patrollers to assist in eradicating crime.

Makgari committed to providing police patrols in the area and encouraged the community to share information on criminal activity and drug dealing.

She warned, however, that drug dealers are armed and dangerous, and emphasised that search warrants must be obtained before raids are conducted.

Makgari acknowledged that crime levels were challenging but assured residents that the SAPS was doing its best to assist all communities.