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The MEC for the Department of Community Safety and Transport Management, Sello Lehari, has issued a passionate call to the Tlhatlaganyane community within the Moses Kotane Municipality to join forces with law enforcement agencies in combating crime. This appeal came in response to a series of concerns raised during an anti-crime community engagement.
The community voiced a range of pressing issues, including illegal mining operations, undocumented foreign nationals operating unregistered businesses, and the proliferation of illegal weapons in the area. Kgosi Letlamoreng Batleng, briefing the MEC before the community engagement, disclosed that they had resorted to hiring private security companies due to the escalating crime rate, which had even negatively impacted education.
Batleng explained, “We have already lost about four learners as a result of crime and illegal mining in our area. We, as the traditional council, have had to engage private security to safeguard our assets and lives. The funds used for these security measures could otherwise be invested in the development of our region.”
Community members resonated with these concerns, highlighting that dusk brought a gripping fear, as criminals openly threatened anyone found outside after dark. Many acknowledged that foreign nationals were residing and conducting businesses in properties owned by local residents.
MEC Lehari urged the community to report crimes promptly, emphasizing, “Report crime as and when it happens. Do not wait for an anti-crime Imbizo to report it.”
He implored communities to collaborate closely with law enforcement officers to fight crime, recognizing that their concerns were acknowledged and that crime could only be eradicated if everyone joined the effort. MEC Lehari also outlined ongoing processes to establish a police station in the area, while acknowledging that various community-raised issues needed resolution before construction could begin.
Accompanying MEC Lehari at the Imbizo were Dr. Hans Kekana, Head of Department, senior management, and stakeholders from entities such as the South African Police Service (SAPS), the Department of Home Affairs, the Department of Correctional Services, and the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA).
This call to action highlights the importance of community involvement and cooperation in addressing crime-related challenges and building a safer environment for all residents of Tlhatlaganyane.
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