​Following protests by Riverlea community members, the MMC for Public Safety Cllr Michael Sun attended a community meeting with officials from the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD).

The purpose of the meeting was to understand residents’ grievances about drugs, violence and crime in the community.
A common thread among attendees was non-responsiveness and the inadequate services by the South African Police Services (SAPS) at the local police station. Police officers were accused of not responding to incidents that were reported, with one resident describing Riverlea as a “war zone”.

The infiltration of drugs at schools emerged as an urgent matter that requires intervention, with children being used as runners for drug syndicates and even as dealers in some cases. Riverlea community members have grown despondent as a result of drug peddlers alleged 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.