Cele: Mamelodi should be safe for women at night

Cele spoke during the launch and parade of a crime combat and reaction team on Friday.

He was joined by National Police Commissioner General Khehla Sitole, Gauteng Police Commissioner Elias Mawele and MEC for Community Safety Sizakele Nkosi-Malobane.

“I want to come back to Mamelodi soon. I want to come back in the middle of the night and I want to walk all the streets free without fear, without anyone disturbing me.

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“I want to come back here when young women of this place walk alone in the middle of the night without any fear of rape, assault or any man taking advantage of them walking alone from point A to B without any fear.

“I want to come when these women walk alone in the middle of the night, I want to join them when they walk alone in the middle of the night. I want to join them when young people begin to enjoy life. When Mamelodi is no more a prison,” he said.

Mamelodi has been plagued by incidences of rape, robbery and assault.

Community members have also complained about a criminal syndicate, which is allegedly extorting a weekly fee of R200 from taxi operators and local businesses.

This fee supposed to guarantee the safety and security of businesses in the area.

Cele said the new team will put a stop to this.

“We have a good team. It’s in a form of an anti-gang unit. We’ll be here until we clean the townships. We have more than 100 people who will be here on a permanent basis.”