By Obakeng Maje
Taung- Leaders from different villages in Taung and Business Owners, gathered together to fight crime in Taung CBD. The stakeholders and village leaders have pledged their support to the country’s police service in the fight against crime.

“We needed to interact with these important partners who have helped us in our crime reduction programmes. We want police to be very active in helping us fighting the atrocity in the area; Taung is no safer as criminals use it as their cradle. Elderly people are being harassed by these criminals and police are no way to be found” Mbuti Galodikwe said.

“As the volunteers, we want to have strong partnerships so that we can create safer environments which enable economic development, growth and attract investments. The volunteers maintain that an ongoing partnerships with different stakeholders – from business, researchers, academics, community policing forums and labour unions to NGOs who give insights which have assisted in policy formulations and practical programmes will help to reduce crime in the area” said adamant Segametsi Biyani from Choseng village, near Taung.

The youth were part of the event in quest to root-out criminals in Taung CBD. Taung Youth Forum founder, Bakang Mankuroane was also part of the team and he shared his views. “In fact, our approach as residents is not premised along an impression that we are better rather, we urge more people to come on board in helping us address the challenge confronting us, which is to ensure that all Taung people are happy and feel safe,” Bakang Mankuroane said.

The meeting also covered the challenges that the South African Police Service is currently grappling with, including corruption and poor conduct of police officers.

Galodikwe said it should not be a government-only responsibility to tackle crime – and such partnerships have enabled police management to better grasp and understand some of the key issues faced by police.

Most of the criminals identified, were sitting around with no move and one would be excused not to believe that they might be involved in any criminal activities. The team also questioned one of the criminals who was found selling two used cell phones to all those who cares. The man who identified himself as Vusi Mhlongo said he is from Kwazulu-Natal and he came to visit his brother in Matolong village.
It is alleged that Taung is now attracting many criminals from various areas across South Africa as most criminals arrested are not from Taung.-TDN
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