Themba residents help choke crime
The Thembalethu neighbourhood watch (TNW) handed over more than 100 dangerous weapons to Maj-Gen Oswald Reddy, Eden Cluster commander, on Thursday 22 November at Tyholorha Primary School.
TNW have been collecting the weapons during their patrols since early this year. A number of Thembalethu stakeholders such as Ward Councillor Sivuyile Dlikilili, Thembalethu Police station commander Col Douw Herbst, Thembalethu police forum, and members of the local taxi industry witnessed the handing over of the weapons which included knives, pangas, swords and scissors.
At the handover TNW members - which included women - raised a number of issues and difficulties they encounter on their patrols. Among these are a lack of protective equipment, no access to a vehicle, police taking a long time to arrive once TNW has apprehend criminals, corrupt police officers, and lack of cooperation between TNW and the police.
Reddy thanked and congratulated the men and women of TNW, saying the work they do saves the lives of many who may fall victim to criminals.
"We acknowledge the work you do and I know its not an easy job. These weapons shall never again be used to commit a crime. They will first be registered and then destroyed. We thank you for working with us to fight crime. We shall never end crime while there's no cooperation between the community and the police," said Reddy.
Reddy urged parents to go back to the old ways of bringing up children with respect, as lack of respect for parents, teachers - and even their peers - is prevalent.
He acknowledged the issues raised by the TNW and committed to deal with the issues raised as a matter of urgency, adding that there should be further engagement to find ways for the community and the police to work together.