Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Executive Mayor Gary van Niekerk had an urgent meeting with the top brass of the South African Police Services this morning to discuss the wave of murders in Gqeberha over the weekend.
At least four people were murdered during the last 24 hours in alleged gang-related incidents.
The SAPS delegation, led by Nelson Mandela Bay District Commissioner Major General Vuyisile Ncata, welcomed the frank discussions aimed at thrashing out a more effective collaborative effort to address crime.
Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Executive Mayor Gary van Niekerk said there are a number of areas the municipality can bolster the work of the police to address the scourge of violence.
“Besides the obvious collaboration between SAPS and our Safety and Security law enforcement, that includes the Metro Police Department, we can improve conditions by simply providing basic services.
“The repairing of streetlights in the gang-infested areas must be prioritized as well as the enforcement of municipal by-laws at some of the properties associated with gangs.
“One of the most haunting issues emanating from the engagement, is the stoning of police vehicles, sometimes resulting in injuries to police officers, by members of the public, when action is taken against criminals.
“The very same community indirectly endanger children and innocent bystanders during the regular shooting sprees in our suburbs, by not allowing SAPS to do its job.
“We agreed to increase resources and that planned operations will be carried out in hotspot areas.
“In addition, our Safer City initiative in collaboration with SAPS, private security companies, community policing forums and business is taking shape as well,” Mayor Van Niekerk said.
Deputy Executive Mayor Babalwa Lobishe and the Member of the Mayoral Committee for Safety and Security Stag Mitchell also attended the meeting.
NMB Communications
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