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Fearful residents declined to speak about gangsterism.
A church leader in Westbury in Johannesburg has highlighted the need for stakeholders in the criminal justice system to restore the trust of residents.
Pastor Mello du Plessis’ comment comes in the wake of an incident in which residents attacked members of a police anti-gang unit after arresting a man found in possession of drugs.
Du Plessis says residents often refuse to co-operate or help the police in apprehending wanted criminals because they fear reprisals.
He says most of the criminals are re-offenders who do not face prosecution.
“We have to have a roundtable discussion, and we do have it sometimes, but I think the right people are not attending. One of the departments that needs to attend is the NPA, because I think it plays a major role here. Because SAPS would arrest people and the next day they out. So, people feel that SAPS is siding with the people. So, I think the NPA plays a major role here where they have to come in and intervene because if SAPS is to arrest these guys, they are out again.”
PODCAST | SAPS speak to SABC News on clashes between police and Westbury community:
