Crime imbizo ‘just a box-ticking exercise’ says Manenberg CPF

A box-ticking exercise. That's how Manenberg CPF spokesperson Abdurahman Govind has described a ministerial imbizo held at Dulcie September Hall this week.

Hosted by the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster, the focus was on gangsterism, murder and gender-based violence.

Ministers and senior officials told residents about plans to strengthen crime prevention and improve interdepartmental coordination.

Residents of several affected communities attended, but Govind says many left feeling their concerns had not been addressed.

"The same things happen every year. When it comes to SONA, we have these imbizos and all these ministers coming to various areas and doing the same thing over and over."

Govind says residents of Manenberg were told a similar story two years ago.

"They said, 'Don't worry, we're looking into it.' And every time we hear, 'There's a bigger plan; we're looking into the gang violence.' For me, it was just ticking off the boxes again."

Govind pulls no punches when he paints a picture of the current situation in the Western Cape.

"The Western Cape is burning, and if we're not going to do anything about it, we're going to sit with a major problem."

Govind says the CPF is doing what it can to encourage community members to assist SAPS and law enforcement in bringing criminals and gangsters to justice.

"We tell the community, 'Come forward with the information. Tell us; that is why we are there.'"

To listen to Govind in conversation with CapeTalk's John Maytham, use the audio player below: