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Today, 18 October, MMC for Public Safety Cllr Michael Sun and officials from the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) attended a community meeting at Riverlea.
The purpose of the meeting was to meet with residents to discuss issues relating to drugs, violence and crime in the community.
Central to concerns expressed by community members is the non-responsiveness and the inadequate services by the South African Police Services (SAPS). It was said that police do not respond to problems reported, with one resident describing Riverlea as a “war zone”.
Furthermore, the residents lamented how drugs have infiltrated schools, with children being used as runners for drug syndicates and even as dealers in some cases. Gang members are said to be walking around freely with dangerous weapons with no consequences.
After listening to the community’s concerns, MMC Sun addressed the issues and shared that JMPD crime statistics being collated regularly offers an opportunity for the community to better understand progress made pertaining crime trends across the City.
MMC Sun vowed to increase JMPD patrols and random crime prevention operations to deal with the burning issues.
“I want to assure you that you have the same rights and standing as any other resident in the City and we will ensure that the issues you have raised are attended to,” he said.
He committed to use JMPD’s K9 Unit to immediately attend to reported drug dealers and give regular feedback to the community. Although SAPS is not a competence of the City, MMC Sun agreed to take up issues on behalf of the community with SAPS provincial structures to ensure that the matter receives attention.
Cllr Michael Sun
MMC for Public Safety
City of Johannesburg
For media queries, contact:
Luyanda Longwe
Stakeholder Manager: Office of the MMC for Public Safety
Landline: 011 758 9505
Mobile: 061 496 0536
Email: Luyandalo@joburg.org.za
