Residents of Munsieville and Kagiso were delighted when the Minister of Police Fikile Mbalula reported the arrest of over 100 criminals and the deployment of three new police chiefs to the city.
Addressing residents in two separate meetings, Mbalula said police commanders at Kagiso and Krugersdorp police stations have been redeployed to other stations around Gauteng.
“We have changed two station commanders who under them, there has been implications of police officers who are on the payroll or are being bribed on a daily basis by people who are selling drugs in this area,” Mbalula said.
“When I said give me a week, I really meant it. I committed myself and the police force to deal with all elements that are destroying our youth and community.”
“Last week the community identified houses alleged to be used by criminals for drugs, prostitution and human trafficking. This morning, we demolished those houses and we will continue to do so until we get rid of them,” Mbalula added.
Mbalula said the majority of those arrested were immigrants without proper documentation and were in the country illegally. He said they will be deported to their respective countries.
“We are working with Mogale City Local Municipality (MCLM) to identify owners of abandoned houses in Krugersdorp and if we do not find the owners, we are going to repossess the houses and convert them into municipal properties. We cannot have hijacked properties that are used as crime heavens on our watch.”
Mbalula was accompanied by MCLM Executive Mayor Patrick Lipudi, West Rand District Municipality Mayor Boyce Maneli, police officers and community leaders.