Note to editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by Cllr Nicky van Wyk and Sesotho by Jafta Mokoena MPL.
Residents of Mantsopa Local Municipality live in constant fear due to the escalating crime rates plaguing our community. The threat of theft, murder, and rape looms over our streets, creating an atmosphere of insecurity and vulnerability.
In Ladybrand, residents face significant challenges with crime, including cable theft, unregulated scrapyards purchasing goods without proper inquiry into their origin, and a surge in burglaries, which have become alarmingly common in our town.
Regrettably, the police presence in our community is sorely lacking, with minimal intervention to combat crime effectively. Residents find themselves with numerous grievances and complaints, met with frustrating responses from law enforcement. Reports of crimes are met with questions about eyewitness accounts and case status, often resulting in prolonged waits for assistance, exacerbating feelings of helplessness and frustration.
With the absence of prompt police response, some members of the community are contemplating taking matters into their own hands, highlighting the urgent need for action.
We urge all residents to remain calm in the face of these challenges. Simultaneously, we commit to addressing this issue both within the council and by escalating it to the Provincial Legislature.
The DA acknowledges that the primary responsibility of the state is to protect its citizens from crime and violence. Centralised policing under an incompetent government, exploiting law enforcement for political gain, has led to the erosion of trust and effectiveness in policing nationwide.
To combat crime effectively, the DA advocates for decentralisation of the police force, promoting local accountability and responsiveness to community needs.
We pledge to advocate for increased police visibility and responsiveness in Mantsopa, pushing for decentralisation of policing to ensure more effective crime prevention and law enforcement at the local level.