‘We Get Tired of Arresting the Same Suspects’: Alexandra Residents Slam Police Over Drugs, Murders

Frustrated Alexandra residents confronted the South African Police Service (SAPS) during a community meeting, voicing frustration over rising crime and questioning the police’s ability to respond effectively.

The CPF’s Criticism

Community Policing Forum interim chairperson Sibabalo Mgijima criticised SAPS for allegedly failing to adequately address the scourge of drugs, which he linked to the alarming murder rate.

“We know that these people are high; that is when these murders occur.”

He also raised concerns over the hijacking of e-hailing vehicles, questioning whether SAPS has a plan to address the crisis.

“We as the CPF, we can try as much, but the onus is on the police to deal with that, because we can arrest and bring suspects to the police, but we as the CPF get tired of arresting a suspect today and tomorrow they are out.”

The Councillor’s Concerns

Chair of Chairs in the City of Johannesburg, councillor Adolph Marema , highlighted how criminals seemingly commit crimes with impunity. He pointed to a known individual alleged to have committed multiple murders, but who remains free.

While police visibility has been focused on certain streets identified as crime hotspots, Marema stressed that patrols should extend beyond these areas.

“Crime does not only occur on the street where you are driving, but it also happens inside the hostels, and it also occurs within the passages.”

Marema also cited SAPS’s own presentation, noting that Alexandra Police Station has 305 personnel falling short by about 25 officers required for a brigadier station.

The Station Commander’s Response

Brigadier Vusimuzi Ngubane , the station commander, previously noted that while some vehicles are often in the garage for repairs, he maintains a considerable number to serve the community.

The Unrest

Thursday’s meeting came at a critical time, following a week marked by bloodshed. One resident estimated that at least nine people lost their lives during the Easter week.

However, most left the meeting unsatisfied, as they felt that their concerns were not fully addressed. Some attendees felt misled, saying the meeting began with a lengthy police presentation instead of direct engagement with community concerns.

The Bottom Line

Drugs are fuelling murders. Suspects are arrested and released. The police station is understaffed. Vehicles are broken.

The community is frustrated. The CPF is tired. And the criminals remain free.

{Source: Citizen}

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