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Rural communities across the Eastern Cape are expressing frustration over the lack of adequate police stations to service their areas. This concern is particularly acute in Punzana, where a single police station serves more than 40 villages.
In Tylden, a village in the Chris Hani District Municipality, residents have been relying on the Community Policing Forum to help address their challenges. The absence of a local police station has made it difficult for residents to receive timely assistance.
Police officials highlight the difficulties they face in rural areas, including navigating complex terrain and traveling long distances to reach various villages. These challenges significantly impact their response times.
Sandiso Mlete, a liaison officer from the Department of Community Safety, emphasized the importance of community cooperation in combating crime. “Active involvement of community members is crucial in eradicating crime. Communities are present all the time and know what happens, unlike the police. However, community members sometimes turn a blind eye when things go wrong,” Mlete said.
Mlete also urged communities to take a proactive role by reporting drug dealers and unlicensed liquor traders. “If crime is not reported, the police won’t know. If the community gets involved and comes forward whenever they witness these criminal activities, then crime can be defeated,” he added.
