Mthatha: Communities in Mthatha, Eastern Cape, have welcomed government’s crime prevention outreach programme, saying it provides much-needed intervention in an area where crime levels have reached alarming proportions. The Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) Cluster hosted the outreach on Thursday, bringing increased police visibility and government services to the area. Locals reported that the presence of law enforcement allowed them to move about more freely.
According to South African Government News Agency, crime, including armed robberies, house break-ins, extortion, and gender-based violence, has left many people living in fear. Lungiswa Ngqoye expressed her satisfaction with the government’s efforts to address crime in the area, stating, “Once it gets dark, we live in fear. Criminals prey on us, [and] sometimes even rob people in their homes.”
Lloyd Masikwa echoed similar sentiments and emphasized the need for community policing forums to support police efforts. “As a community, we need to actively get involved in the fight against crime,” Masikwa said.
Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi addressed the community, explaining that the JCPS Cluster visited Mthatha to better understand the situation and engage directly with residents. Kubayi expressed concern about the high rate of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) incidences in Mthatha and highlighted the need for community awareness and involvement.
Eastern Cape MEC for Community Safety Xolile Nqatha appealed for additional resources, including a helicopter, to monitor crime in the province. He noted that some businesses had shut down due to extortion and encouraged residents to report crimes, even anonymously.
Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia acknowledged the challenges in Mthatha and emphasized the government’s commitment to strengthening police services. He highlighted GBVF as a major nationwide challenge and stressed the need for technology to monitor parolees effectively.
The programme began with visits to key sites in Mthatha, including the police station, magistrate’s court, and Thuthuzela Care Centre at Mthatha Hospital. The delegation assessed operations and engaged with officials to improve service delivery.
The outreach is part of the JCPS Cluster’s ongoing efforts to address community safety concerns, strengthen justice services, and tackle crime through collaboration with residents, civil society, and local leaders.