Community safety MEC addresses crime in Alex
ALEXANDRA – MEC for Community Safety, Sizakele Nkosi-Malobane said that if community members work closely with the police, crime can be reduced.
While crime in Alex is a huge problem, MEC for Community Safety, Sizakele Nkosi-Malobane urged residents to take action against the rising number of incidents which happen on a regular basis.
Nkosi-Malobane was speaking at the recent safety awareness roadshow held at the Rotary Grounds.
“Alex cannot only be known for crime, let us take action and get rid of the criminals that roam our streets,” Nkosi-Malobane said.
“Criminals in the community are a minority and if the people work together, they can get rid of the criminals.”
Read: Infographic: SA crime has decreased but households don’t feel safer
Nkosi-Malobane said cases of hijackings are on the rise and hotspots need strong police visibility.
Spokesperson for Alex Police Station, Captain Allie Kodisang said in recent months, hijacking hotspots have moved from main roads to the inner township.
“London Road and Florence Maposho Street have had a decrease in hijackings. These hijackers have moved to the inner township where they target people who go home.”
Kodisang urged residents to be aware of their surroundings while driving.
“Be on the lookout for suspicious people around you and avoid using your cellphones while driving as this can disturb your concentration.”
Nkosi-Malobane said that teenage pregnancy is also on the rise.
“Young girls need to take charge of their lives and stop letting older men take advantage of them. Parents, talk to your children about these things so that they can grow up to be independent women.”
Read: Crime soars in Alex
Brigadier Joyce Kuboni, station commander for Alex Police Station, said fighting crime should not only be the work of the police. “Everyone should be involved in doing away with crime. Don’t keep quiet when you see people doing wrong,” Kuboni said.
She said many people turn a blind eye on crime because they fear victimisation. “My door is always open if you want to report crime, break the silence.”
Nkosi-Malobane said hostels have become hiding spots for these criminals.
“Hijacked cars are being hidden in these hostels. Hostel dwellers should kick out the criminals who use the premises as hiding places.”
She said the department is working with hostel Indunas to insure that hostels are safe places for people to live.
Nkosi-Malobane provided the following tips to avoid being mugged:
- Avoid walking alone at night as muggers are more likely to target individuals than a group
- Avoid dark passages
- Walk with confidence. This will make you less of a target
- Always carry pepper spray to act as a defense weapon.
How to avoid being hijacked:
- Always be aware of your surroundings
- Be on the lookout for suspicious people around you
- Do not stop for hitchhikers on the streets, especially at night
- Do not drive around at night with your windows open.
Details: 10111.
Edited by Stacey Woensdregt
