The Alfred Duma Local Municipality leadership met with traditional leaders and law enforcement and other stakeholders to discuss the crime pressing issues that have affected number of people in Helpmekaar Road in Mabhekazi area. The meeting was held today, the 30th October 2024, at the Ekuvukeni Council Chamber offices.
In attendance were Deputy Mayor Cllr S. Simelane, representatives from Ekuvukeni SAPS, Ladysmith SAPS, Ezakheni SAPS, the Department of Health, Inkosi Nxumalo, Induna, Ndaka cluster councillors, teachers, and ward committees.
Deputy Mayor Cllr S. Simelane outlined the purpose of the meeting, which focused on crime prevention efforts that have accelerated in the Ndaka cluster and Helpmaakar Road especially in Mabhekazi area.
SAPS Captain Mr. Mngadi from Ladysmith SAPS reported a high number of cases in Ladysmith, particularly related to eNdaka. He expressed the need to conduct meetings with all SAPS stations to seek solutions and formulate a plan of action.
SAPS Brigade Mr. Nkosi from the Ekuvukeni station also highlighted several issues, including murder, robberies of Pakistan tuckshops, and rape. He urged communities to engage with the SAPS, as their cellphone numbers have been distributed. Ekuvukeni SAPS is committed to preventing these crimes and has conducted Operation Mbo, in addition to having a patrol vehicle to assist, especially on Helpmaakar Road. They encouraged communities to provide information and to watch over children as the festive season approaches in December.
The traditional leaders, izinduna also made proposals on the issue of which included the cutting of the trees that are a hiding spot for the criminals culprits, more visibility of law enforcement in the area o assist SAPS. And that SAPS to conduct roadblocks to increase police presence at Ekuvukeni station.
Induna Mr. Mvelase emphasized the importance of involving traditional leaders in community matters and expressed grievances regarding SAPS’s lack of response to phone calls while police officers misappropriate state resources. He also requested that these meetings be held regularly with feedback provided.
Ms. Zungu from the Department of Health outlined the challenges faced by employees due to rising crime rates on Helpmaakar Road, where employees have been robbed, impacting attendance at health facilities and work procedures.
Mr. Mabhele from the Department of Education also addressed incidents occurring along Helpmaakar Road, where educators face similar challenges. He noted that robberies tend to occur on pay dates—15th, 16th, and 17th—and requested SAPS to escort departmental vehicles transporting matric exam papers.
In closing, Captain Mngadi assured attendees that matric exam papers will be escorted. He noted the dates of the reported robberies and stated that area meetings will be conducted. He urged communities to report crimes.
Councillors committed to implementing the initiative to trim bushes.