Roadshow targets crime hotspots

KUTLWANO OLIFANT

kutlwano.olifant@inl.co.za

AT LEAST one rape is reported every week in the Jabulani policing area in Soweto, with some cases being withdrawn and solved by families.

This was revealed by Gauteng Department of Community Safety spokesman Thapelo Moiloa during a crime awareness roadshow yesterday.

“The department is against these cases being resolved by families. These negotiations between the families leave victims traumatised whereas members move on freely with their lives. As a department, we don’t want to see members of the community suffering. We plead to society to report these cases and let the law act,” said Moiloa.

The roadshow took to the crime hotspots of Jabulani, Moletsane and Zola, where members of the public were given pamphlets and booklets with tips on how to avoid hijackings, domestic violence, child abuse, road safety and human trafficking.

“In the past weekend five business robbery cases targeting Pakistani citizens, a house robbery case and two rape cases were reported at Jabulani station. We are worried about these crime trends developing. We urge members to read and take these pamphlets seriously and utilise them,” said Moiloa.

Community police forum member and Zola resident Sifiso Moremi, 32, said crime in the area had decreased, but nyaope, a popular drug used mostly by the youth, was still a problem.

“Nyaope smokers are giving us tough times in the area. If police can deal with the crime then it could be better,” said Moremi.

Police spokesman Kay Makhubela (pictured) urged residents to take the campaign seriously by reporting crime incidents to the station.

“We understand some people are afraid to report cases, but they can do it anonymously.

“If they feel that they are not being assisted by the staff at police stations, they then should report this to the station commander so that they can be helped,” said Makhubela.

Elizabeth Sibiya, a street vendor outside Tsele’s shopping complex opposite Merafe railway station told The Star Africa that crime – mostly mugging at the station – had decreased.

“We have police patrolling in the morning and late in the evening. Previously people were mugged a lot here, but now it’s different,” she said.