Mayor steps up police visibility

THE BRAZEN robbery on one of the busiest streets in Joburg’s inner city has led to increased police visibility along Smal Street and other parts of the CBD.

A man was accosted by a group of four men who robbed him of his belongings while other people stood by and watched. It was not clear when the incident, which was captured on camera, occurred.

In a video clip that went viral and sparked outrage on social media, the man is seen walking along Smal Street with the group of thugs on his trail.

They grab him from behind, while one takes his bag. The other three pin him down and start searching him. None of the shoppers come to his aid.

Joburg mayor Herman Mashaba took to Twitter to voice his outrage: “A national disgrace. Please, I am appealing to lawabiding citizens to support us when we decisively deal with these criminals.”

Joburg metro police department (JMPD) spokesperson Chief Superintendent Wayne Minnaar said officers on foot patrol had been deployed to Smal Street and other parts of the inner city to increase visibility and reduce crime, as part of operation #BuyaMthetho.

“We also have undercover officers who will act as soon as they notice something suspicious or witness a crime taking place. There are police officers everywhere,” Minnaar said.

JMPD Chief David Tembe said on Twitter: “Policing in the @CityofJoburgZA doesn’t take a day off. We are committed to protecting and serving 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. In cars, on bikes or on foot, our promise is to police with purpose and integrity every day.”

Minnaar emphasised that police would be deployed in the CBD day and night.

“We will decrease crime in the area. We have enough personnel to be on the ground as we take up this task,” he said.

Shoppers welcomed the move to increase police visibility in the crime-ridden CBD.

@AfroContrarian wrote: “We must applaud mayor @ HermanMashaba & the JMPD for deploying police in Smal Street.”