A 12 member task team has been unveiled at the Ministerial Imbizo hosted in Welkom. Community members of Thabong in the Free State used the Ministerial Imbizo to raise their policing concerns of illegal mining and increasing gang and drug related crimes.
Residents filled up the Kopanong outdoor arena in Welkom and interacted with Police Minister General Cele and SAPS management including officials from the Independent Police Investigative Directorate and the National Prosecution Authority.
Thabong residents raised their frustrations of crime and illegal mining in the area. Some complained about corruption amongst some police members and unavailability of police vehicles to respond to crime.
Responding to allegations by residents, Minister Cele has instructed the Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General David Sempe to urgently look into the claims of police who are not servicing the community as they should.
The community of Thabong also raised concerns around the growing incidents of illegal mining.
In this regard, the General says, “The task-team that has been assembled will go a long way in dealing with the complaints of the community. Cele added, “The national Police management has taken a decision that Operational Response Services units such as operational task teams targeting specific crimes will be rolled out nationally.” concluded Minister Cele.
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