Residents of Boitekong in Rustenburg, North West, say it is dangerous for them to go to the local police station which is situated far from the residential area.
Residents marched to the police station, accusing police of failing to combat crime in the area. They say the route to the station passes through dense bushes and people are often attacked there.
The march to draw attention to issues at their local police station. The structure was built far from the community it serves. And to make matters worse, residents have to walk through dense bushes to report crime and are often attacked on their way to the police station.
A community representative says alternative land, closer to the villages being served, was made available by the Rustenburg Local Municipality almost eight years ago but no effort has been made to construct a new police station there.
Limited policing resources
Chairperson of the Community Policing Forum, Billy Segwagwe says, “So far we have a problem because of our police station service 25 villages. So we have a shortage of vehicles and everything and our police station is in the bush. So we need a new police station then the service will be much better for us.”
Community members complain that crime in the area is rife and that police are doing little to assist.
“If I come to complain you will be surprised and maybe it takes eight hours without any response then when you have a problem in Sondela they take their time,” a community member laments.
Our police are failing us. There is a case of assault, but some that need them serious they do not come,” another community member says.
“Since we have submitted our memorandum we want everything that we have a problem with must change.”
Police have received the memorandum and indicated that they would respond to the community within seven days.
VIDEO: Boitekong residents live in fear due to the high level of crime
