Resources needed to fight crime: Makhura

"The police require lots of training," he said on the sidelines of a two-day safety indaba the provincial government was hosting.

 

Makhura said the first session was a meeting with all law enforcement agencies in Gauteng where problems facing the province were highlighted, and the areas where it was doing well.

 

The purpose of the indaba was to review Gauteng's crime prevention plan. He said the indaba would put together rudiments of a plan to be taken to the provincial government for adoption.

 

"It will be the basis for us to allocate resources. Already in Gauteng... we have several resources outside the SA Police Service, which we want to harness," Makhura said.

 

The province had a metro police department and the largest numbers of private security companies.

 

"We want to marshal those resources to make the impact far greater."

 

He said the war against crime was being fought at police station level.

 

"That's where we need better resourcing... and better capabilities."

 

The province was worried about the increase in certain types of crime, especially violent crimes.

 

"We will not allow this province to be taken over by criminals.

 

The police alone will not win," Makhura said.

 

Communities needed to help law enforcement agencies.

 

Of concern to Makhura were crimes against children, an escalation in illegal mining, and taxi violence.

 

"We will not allow criminals to take over the streets. That's the commitment we have," he said.

 

 

(File photo: Gallo Images)