IN an effort to fight crime in Soshanguve's most dangerous area, known as Jukulyn, Gauteng Community Safety MEC Faith Mazibuku held a crime imbizo on Wednesday, 1 May, at Thakgalang Secondary School.
The meeting, marked with the hashtag #SlyzaTsotsi, introduced a new panic button app and the installation of CCTV cameras for the residents of Soshanguve Block P.
The crime-fighting initiative saw a collaboration between the Tshwane Metro Police, Crime Prevention Wardens from the South African Police Service, and Gauteng Provincial Community Safety patrollers to enhance safety in the area.
This imbizo followed a ministerial community meeting hosted by deputy police minister Cassel Mathale on Friday, 5 April, at Soshanguve Block X Community Hall. The earlier meeting aimed to forge partnerships with residents to tackle crime in the area.
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During her address, Mazibuko revealed that 10 security companies are working alongside law enforcement to ensure a swift response to the panic button alerts. The initiative was a response to local complaints about the police's lack of timely reaction to emergency calls.
“We will also be rolling out CCTV cameras that will serve as the other eye in case the user takes longer to press the panic button and to also help police see crimes that are happening around the area," she said.
She assured that the response time to a panic button alert would range between five to 15 minutes, depending on the user's location.
However, the community's response to these measures has been mixed.
Resident Katlego-Letswalo (26) said that the government should provide free data and physical buttons for old residents who can't use smart phones.
“It's a great initiative that might help. But my concern is that we register with our details, meaning that if the responders are working with criminals, then we're back to square one because the killings will never stop," she said.
Another resident, Mariah Rallele, said that their big problem in Jukulyn is hijacking, breaking-ins, stealing, and gangsterism.
“We hope that the panic button will help combat crime in our area. We know who these criminals are but as the community, we must also work with law enforcement agencies because without them, crime will not end," she said.
