Residents of Reiger Park in Ekurhuleni have voiced frustration over the lack of police resources in their area, following a spate of deadly gang-related attacks.
They raised their concerns during Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia’s visit to the community after six people were killed in Reiger Park and two others in Westbury recently.
Some residents have questioned whether the minister’s new crime-fighting plan will bring real change.
Community leader Lycinder Grootboom said many coloured communities across the country are living in fear.
“I’m hoping this visit is not just for show because there has been an outcry in all coloured communities from Cape Town to Johannesburg,” she said.
“I don’t think people realise how bad the gang violence has become. They can’t assume it’s not serious just because it’s not in the news.”
Grootboom urged the minister to ensure continuous monitoring and visible policing in affected areas.
Meanwhile, Westbury community leader Bianca Olivier said residents have lost faith in police efforts and believe that deploying the army could help curb crime.
“We want the army. It’s the army or nothing. If they could bring it during COVID-19, what’s stopping them now?” she asked.
“This was a fruitless exercise. We’ve heard these empty promises before.”
Olivier also criticised the exclusion of some community members from the meeting, saying their voices should have been heard directly.
Minister Cachalia, however, dismissed claims that communities were not represented.
“The communities were well-represented here today. We took their names and agreed to maintain constant contact,” he said.
“I hope this community will rebuild its forums and faith-based organisations as it did in the past. We will need them to come on board.”
