Abahlali unite against crime!

RESIDENTS take matters into their own hands.

Tired of endless killings and break-ins, informal communities in Soshanguve, Tshwane have decided to take a stand.

Informal settlements such as Marry Me (between Extension 3 and 4), Changing Spot (Extension 7), South View (Extension 10), Small Moria (Extension 15), Divorce Me (Extension 10), Kopanong Horse View and Sporong View (Extension 7) have joined forces to fight crime.

"We realised our biggest mistake was being divided. It caused hatred and violence, and people lost their lives. If the community is united, it will be easier for the police to work with us to fight crime in this part of Pretoria," said Phatogo Moripane.

He said that unemployment is the biggest cause of crime.

Another resident told Daily Sun that informal settlers in Soshanguve suffer because of the police.

"When we need urgent help, we are told about demarcations and a lack of police vans, especially at Akasia Police Station. But demarcations don't apply when the police are taking bribes from Pakistani shops. We have cases where rape victims are told they don't have a case, even with proof. Protection orders take over two weeks to be served because of police incompetence," said the resident.

She pleaded with the police ministry to enforce Batho Pele principles and train police officers and wardens properly.

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Residents also called on Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi to send Home Affairs to check if foreign nationals have the right documents.

"Seventy percent of this informal settlement is occupied by Zimbabwean nationals. The congestion is too much, and there's mismanagement because of overcrowding. Schools and clinics are full and now we have water shortages and load shedding due to overloading," said Nnika Moyo.

Meanwhile, the ministry of police and Gauteng police commissioner will visit Soshanguve Police Station after six people lost their lives and seven were injured on Saturday, 22 March.

The minister of police will get a full briefing on the investigation and response efforts. After that, the minister will visit affected families to offer condolences and support.

Asked about residents' complaints, Gauteng police spokeswoman Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi said the station was not aware of them. However, she asked Daily Sun to provide them with victims' contact numbers or physical address so that the station commander can make contact with them to assist further.

"We will also trace the alleged members to enable internal disciplinary processes," said Nevhuhuli.