South Africa: The Executive Mayor, Cllr Eugene Johnson, this afternoon joined the Eastern Cape South African Police Service (SAPS) Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nomthetheleli Mene, at an Operation Sikhona Imbizo held at Babs Madlakane Hall in KwaNobuhle.
The imbizo is in line with Section 205(3) of the Constitution, which states that members of the police are to prevent, combat, and investigate crime; to maintain public order; to protect and secure the inhabitants of the Republic and their property, and to uphold and enforce the law.
Speaking at the Imbizo, Mayor Johnson said that violence against women and girls takes place every day in our streets and neighbourhoods.
She said that most cases are not reported, and because of the silence of victims, it never gets addressed.
Other issues addressed during the imbizo included lack of police vans, corrupt SAPS officers, lost dockets, crime against women and children and foreign nationals.
A fellow rehabilitated resident said the police are not to be blamed in all situations. He urged residents to unite and love each other so that KwaNobuhle could be a safer place.
Major General Vuyisile Ncata, the district commissioner for Nelson Mandela Bay, assured residents that their cries were being heard.
Ncata further said he is determined to work with residents and stakeholders so that he gains trust.
He revealed plans by his department to ensure that dockets are not lost, police visibility in the communities and catching corrupt members of the SAPS.
On a lighter note, entertainment from the SAPS Brass Band kept residents and members of SAPS on their feet.
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