“Report all incidents of crime” - Masutha

During an imbizo at Madombidzha on Wednesday, communities around Sinthumule/Kutama were urged to report all incidents of crime to the police and to avoid a situation where they support criminals.

The Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, Adv Micheal Masutha, urged the community to stop buying stolen goods, stolen cars, car parts and even a small thing like a packet of sugar as they lead to serious crimes. “We need more involvement of the communities in issues of policing and in the fight against crime,” Masutha said.

“All our actions and policies are aimed towards achieving the goal of creating a united, non-racial, non-sexist, democratic, peaceful, secure and prosperous South Africa. The success of any operation depends on the active participation of the ordinary citizens,” he said.

Masutha urged the community to report any criminal activity, including the illegal possession of and dealing in firearms and ammunition. "While the rights of all citizens need to be protected as entrenched in our Constitution, the rights of criminals must not supersede those of law-abiding citizens," he added.

Masutha said he was aware of police officers who refused to attend to community members who visited the stations. He assured the community that officers who did not want to work would be removed from the police service. “I am appealing to the community to report all officers who ill-treat them, so that we can deal with them," he said.

Thovhele Khosi Vho- Rudzani Sinthumule requested the officials at all police stations to give all victims and complainants the space to voice incidents of abuse without prejudice. "All we want is a crime-free village where one can sleep outside with open gates, without fear of being attacked by thugs. We are now urging all residents to notify their neighbours if they are away from home," he said.

Community member Ms Masindi Mudodzwa said the community was fed-up with crime and they just wanted to put the message across to the justice system. “We are tired of the anarchy caused by thugs. We are here to make a statement to the authorities that they should not even consider giving bail to suspects. Thugs have been terrorising us for a long time and each time they have committed crime, they come back to the community.”

Date:17 April 2015

By: Kaizer Nengovhela

Kaizer Nengovhela started writing stories for Limpopo Mirror in 2000. Prior to that he had a five year stint at Phala-Phala FM as sports presenter. In 2005 Kaizer received an award from the province's premier as Best Sports Presenter. The same year he was also nominated as Best Sports Reporter by the Makhado Municipality. Kaizer was awarded the Mathatha Tsedu award in 2014.

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