Although said in different words, ways and tones, all key role-players attending the handover event of the newly revamped Munsieville Police Station called for collaboration in looking after the satellite Police Station and making use of it to fulfil it’s intended purpose.
On the 22nd January 2018, the Munsieville police came under attack from angry residents who torched vehicles and also the local police station in the township. On the day residents from both Kagiso and Munsieville who were supposed to meet and march to Krugersdorp took to the streets in protest against drug peddling and human trafficking, which was also linked to the abducting of a Kagiso youth (female) by suspected foreign drug peddlers.
Understanding the importance of law and order in our communities the municipality took on the responsibility to restore the Police Station, which is ready for furnishing, to be followed by occupation and operation. This restoration and completion also came at the right time with the escalation of crime in the community calling for a much closer located Police Station, and sterner intervention for law and order.
Yesterday, on 22 May a Mogale City delegation led by the Executive Mayor Cllr Danny Thupane and designated MMC for Community Safety Cllr Francis Makgatho handed over the refurbished Police Station to the local SAPS and community.
Whilst calling for members of the community to work hand in hand with SAPS, Brigadier Happy Xaba stressed on the fact that as much as the station was handed over to SAPS, the station will only operate once fully furnished and resourced, which the municipality is also currently working on.
With crime hindering community growth, people movement, socializing and other important forms of community recreation, MMC Makgatho pleaded with the community that the station must be used for it’s intended purposes and that any form of anger and disgruntlements be dealt with in a way that won’t cause the destruction of much needed facilities as the Police Station.
Before concluding the proceedings in his keynote address, Executive Mayor Cllr Danny Thupane didn’t mince his words calling on the local community to avoid the 2018 incident and protect the station, along with all other public amenities such as schools, rates offices and other. “These amenities may be government-run but they have been built, set up and are operating to service community needs, meaning these assets actually belong to you the people of Munsieville. They should therefore be fully protected and preserved by the users and owners, which is the community of Munsieville”, said Mayor Thupane.
In ensuring full operation of the station happening soon, the municipality continues working around the clock in collaboration with all role-players including SAPS, ward councillors and other community representatives.