Jhb MMC Mabaso calls on residents not to be hostile towards police

Johannesburg Human Settlements MMC Mlungisi Mabaso has urged communities in informal settlements not to obstruct police in carrying out their duties in these areas.

This follows a meeting between Mabaso and police where they highlighted some of the difficulties they encounter in areas like Coal Yard where communities are hostile towards police.

Mabaso says lack of police presence compromises residents’ safety and that once criminals realise that police cannot access the area, they will act with impunity.

MMC’s spokesperson Penwell Dlamini says, “In one incident, police responding to a distress call entered a resident’s home to provide assistance. Upon returning to their vehicle, they found that all its tyres had been punctured with a sharp object. Residents have also openly expressed their opposition to police patrolling their neighbourhood. MMC Mabaso described these incidents as deeply concerning, highlighting that such actions undermine the City’s efforts to improve informal settlements and make them safer for residents.