Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality’s Safety and Security Mayoral Committee Member, Cllr Stag Mitchell, has called on the South African Police Service (SAPS) to remove a gambling machine at a spaza shop in Bloemendal. This request was made on Thursday, 19 September 2024, during a crime prevention walkabout in the area, where children are reportedly fighting over gambling daily.
This call was made during a crime prevention walkabout in the area, led by the Safety and Security Directorate in partnership with SAPS and the Community Policing Forum (CPF). MMC Mitchell emphasised that the Metro is tackling safety and security challenges holistically and cannot stand by while children are groomed at a young age to become gamblers, as this habit can have dire consequences if conducted irresponsibly.“We have engaged with community members to bring a sense of safety, in collaboration with law enforcement agencies. During the walkabout, we were shown a shop with a gambling machine that creates chaos. Children are physically fighting because of that one machine, so I requested the SAPS to remove that machine before 20 September 2024. It’s important that they remove that machine so that we can bring calm to that street and allow the children to play other safer games instead of fighting over a gambling machine,” said MMC Mitchell.
“We thank our committed Metro Police, Security, and Traffic Services officers, as well as our stakeholders, including the CPF and SAPS. We cannot announce our next stop, but we will work the streets in the Northern Areas, Kariega, and townships like New Brighton and KwaZakhele up until December 2024,” added MMC Mitchell.
Bethelsdorp CPF chairperson, Karen Kemp, welcomed the initiative and highlighted the community’s urgent need for assistance in combating gun violence in the area.
“The crime that is high at the moment is the shootings, which can happen at any time of the day. We never know when they will start. We are glad that the Municipality is partnering with the CPF. For some time, it seemed like nobody was concerned about what is happening in our communities. I hope the partnership will be fruitful, good, and lasting,” Kemp said.
The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality urges all residents to work closely with law enforcement agencies to reduce and combat crime. By reporting suspicious activities and supporting community initiatives, we can create a safer environment for everyone. Together, we can make a difference.
NMB Communications
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