The City of Johannesburg's Public Safety team is dedicated to prioritizing safety, working relentlessly to create a secure environment for residents and visitors. Their efforts encompass a range of initiatives, from crime prevention and emergency response to community outreach, all aimed at ensuring the well-being of everyone in the city.
On Sunday, 5 January 2025, the Deputy Director from the Public Safety office, DD Mkhabela accompanied by officers from the Johannesburg Metro Police Department, held a crucial community meeting at the Ancient of Days Royal House Church in the Waterworks Informal Settlement, behind the Military Base, Lenasia. The gathering addressed a range of pressing issues affecting the community, including the escalating crime crisis, which has resulted in the loss of innocent lives and the injury of many. The discussion highlighted the pervasive drug problem, which continues to cause significant harm within the area.
Community members expressed frustration with the Lenasia SAPS, citing a lack of support and insufficient police visibility in the area. The community also voiced concerns over the inadequacy of resources for the Community Policing Forum (CPF) patrollers, who are tasked with safeguarding the community but currently lack the proper safety gear needed for their patrols.
The meeting underscored the urgent need for greater cooperation between the police, local authorities, and residents to address these challenges and create a safer environment for everyone in the community.
The Deputy Director Mkhabela emphasized the importance of working together with law enforcement to tackle crime and improve safety, stating that cooperation with the community is crucial for success. He reassured business owners, particularly those running spaza shops, that the Department of Public Safety is there to protect them and that accusations of discrimination or bias against black businesses were unfounded. He also highlighted the necessity for business owners to comply with city regulations, such as informing the city before starting a business and ensuring their establishments meet safety and zoning requirements.
The Deputy Director further discussed the department's approach to addressing crime, stating that, while law enforcement often focuses on crime prevention, there is a broader mandate to also ensure the safety of residents, particularly in informal settlements. He explained that the department conducts thorough assessments, audits, and community engagement to ensure that settlements meet safety standards. In cases of hazardous conditions, such as hijacked buildings, they collaborate with other departments, including Human Settlements and social workers, to ensure vulnerable residents are moved to safer places.
He reiterated that public safety officers will not be intimidated by criminals and emphasized the department's commitment to working on the ground and maintaining a visible presence in the community. He expressed the importance of preemptive crime prevention, including intelligence gathering and profiling to identify potential threats before they escalate. He also underscored the responsibility of parents and the community to protect children from involvement in criminal activities and from being exposed to dangerous environments such as taverns.
Finally, he assured the community that the Public Safety Department, alongside Johannesburg Metro Police, is committed to safeguarding all residents of Johannesburg, regardless of their background, and pledged to continue working tirelessly to ensure their security.
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