DELMAS – An oversight visit by the Portfolio Committee on Community Safety, Security & Liaison to Delmas Police Station on Wednesday, March 12, has highlighted pressing concerns over community safety in the area. Staff shortages, vehicle shortages, and substance abuse are just a few of the issues raised during the visit.
Alarmingly, reports of alcohol and drug sales to minors were also brought up, along with allegations of SAPS officials being involved in drug use and distribution. The latest crime statistics paint a grim picture, with the Victor Khanye Municipality facing high levels of GBV, carjackings, robberies, and attempted murders, with Delmas Police Station recording the highest crime rate in the province for attempted murders. The high number of liquor outlets (42), which is far more than the number of schools, was also highlighted as a contributing factor to the crime challenges faced by the municipality.
Reporting at the Taking the Legislature to the People (TLP) Feedback and Public Hearing on Tuesday, March 11, MEC for the Mpumalanga Department of Security and Community Safety, Jackie Macie, spoke about the operations conducted in local high schools (Botleng Secondary being of them) to improve safety and address the issue of drug use and sales. Macie also reported that highway patrols are working to address crime on the N12 and N4 highways, while crime wardens have already been deployed at local stations to tackle the shortage of staff. Macie concluded by committing that a bakkie will soon be handed over to Sundra Police Station to help address the shortage of vehicles.
Despite these challenges, the Department of Community Safety, Security & Liaison has pledged to address the issues. The Acting Provincial Commissioner of SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, reported that one officer has been apprehended for drug involvement and is receiving assistance to overcome addiction.
However, committee members expressed disappointment at the absence of Victor Khanye Local Municipality councillors and municipal officials, emphasising the need for accountability. Life Monini, Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee, stressed the importance of collective wisdom and intensified collaboration among all stakeholders to drive positive change in the community.
“As the committee continues to push for change, one thing is clear: the community demands accountability and action to ensure their safety and security,” he said. The local Community Policing Forum (CPF) spoke about the good working relationship they have with local stations but also highlighted the challenge of the shortage of uniforms, which makes their work difficult.
