Athlone imbizo highlights crime, parole, and social service failures

“We cannot have these big talk shops, it’s just talk - we want action,” said Michael Jacobs, chairperson of the Lentegeur Community Police Forum (CPF), at a pre-State of the Nation (SONA) integrated service delivery imbizo.

Ministers from the Justice, Crime Prevention, and Security (JCPS) Cluster met face-to-face with community members at Dulcie September Hall in Athlone on Tuesday, February 10, to tackle the pressing issues of violent crime, gangsterism, substance abuse, and gender-based violence (GBV) and femicide.

The event included a question-and-answer session lasting nearly an hour and a half, with the entire gathering lasting almost five hours.

The hall erupted when questions were raised about failed central line trains, arming deployments on the Cape Flats, activations in red zones, and the lack of resources for GBV victims despite a national state of disaster.

Mr Jacobs said: “How can it be that police stations have vacancies for over a year? We keep sitting with the acting staff, and service delivery is poor. CPF regulations have existed since 2001 - when will they be reviewed so we can act? We can no longer be praise singers while our community suffers.”

He also highlighted the dire conditions at the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) offices, where residents queue in rain and sun for services.

Vernon, chairperson of the Manenberg CPF, said: “Manenberg is at war. Our police station is under-resourced, staff numbers are below complement, and despite promises, shootings and killings continue. Action is needed, not talk - silencing guns must go hand in hand with empowering our CPF.”

Shamila van Schalk, provincial board treasurer and chairperson of the City of Cape Town District CPF, emphasized the human cost of GBV: “The statistics may show a reduction in some crimes, but they do not capture the fear, shame, or generational trauma that GBV leaves behind."

"We cannot speak about gangsterism and not confront how men abuse women. Our youth, ages 15 to 17, are particularly vulnerable.” She also called for better cooperation with hospitals in handling GBV cases.

Manenberg activist Tara, who chose not to disclose her surname, said communities are disempowered: “Resources are directed to the state for oversight, but communities need ownership. We can handle 90% of our problems ourselves, but the relationship with the government must be restored.”

Aziza Rodrigues, chairperson of Hanover Park Safety Forum, criticized police response times: “SAPS is not operational here. Only Metro Police respond, often too late. The same offenders are arrested and released repeatedly.”

Resident Zahier Mohamed from Eastridge and Weldon Cameron, Phillipi and Mitchell's Plain sub-district CPF secretary, echoed frustration over delays in army deployment and parole releases, which often return offenders to the streets.

Lieutenant-General Thembisile Patekile, Provincial Commissioner of police, acknowledged the complaints: “Our commanders will prioritise your concerns. The 0800 4144 44 hotline is available 24/7 - report if it doesn’t work. We are working to ensure language balance at stations and to visit schools to discourage gang involvement.”

Advocate Andy Mothibi, National Director of Public Prosecution, said: “Some crimes are reducing, but gangsterism, extortion, and bail issues persist. We are working closely with the police to ensure cases are investigated and prosecuted efficiently. An integrated approach involving the judiciary, police, and communities is critical to keep perpetrators accountable.”

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