GEORGE -  The Minister of Police, Mr Nathi Mthethwa pleaded with the public at a community meeting in Thembalethu last week not to buy stolen cables.
This meeting was attended by the local police management, community police forums (CPFs), ward councillors and residents.

According to residents of Thembalethu, the cutting of electrical cables in their streets not only increases crime but makes it difficult for the police to apprehend criminals if there is no proper street lighting.
Mthethwa, who declared war on electricity cable thieves, said these thieves (izinyoka) who torment communities need to be aggressively hunted, arrested and thrown in jail.
He said that society must become intolerant of cable thieves. Anyone who buys these stolen cables, can also be seen as cable thieves.

"When criminals steal these cables they do not take them to the bushes or rivers, they sell them back to society. In turn, because there is a financial market for these cables, crime is bound to be on the increase. Unless we take a stance as communities to report these izinyokas to the police, we will always be giving these criminals’ empires space to grow."
Community members also informed the minister about their concern regarding the increase of unlicensed liquor operators and the usage of drugs. Police management confirmed that these taverns are a major contributor to the escalation of crime in the area and drug usage, especially by underage children.

Other challenges facing the community which were mentioned, included an increase in rape, domestic violence, residential break-ins, common robberies, non functional street lights and street numbering.
Mthethwa commended the community for "not just sitting on the sidelines and throw criticism at the police" and praised them for actively joining the police in their fight against crime and marginally bringing it down.
He told community members that they are seen as equal partners in the police’s quest to create safer communities and that they can through such practical dialogue defeat the scourge of crime.
He also emphasised the importance of putting deadlines to all the issues raised and promised that his ministry will in the coming weeks follow up on progress made by the relevant authorities tasked with resolving these issues.

Article: Lizette da Silva