This was Cele’s second visit to Matjhabeng in less than a year. Cele addressed questions and grievances from community members, which included unresolved cases with no report from investigators, police visibility in areas affected by criminal activities, a drug dealer's den, illegal mining (Zama-zama), and gangsters. He insured residents that the department will take decisive action and make sure that they claim back peace and harmony in society.

Cele said they have plans to deal with Zama-zama’s and lamented that the country lost R41 billion in 2018 because of illegal mining. Two hundred and forty people have been arrested, of which most are foreign nationals. “This is not a xenophobic issue, but we cannot allow people to do as they please in our country,” Cele explained. In his response, he also stated that the Department’s Anti-Gang Unit taskforce will be deployed in Welkom to deal with gangsterism and illegal miners.

A new method in dealing with unresolved cases in SAPS will be the introduction of police clinics in every police station. Cele stated that such cases must be finalised. The Human Resource Department together with the Police Commissioner will visit the stations to do a follow-up where station commanders will have to give account on how they dealt with such cases.

Welkom is known for its notorious criminal activities, ranging from gang violence, illegal mining, drug trafficking, and has over 250 taverns.

The event was graced by different government departments in the judiciary and the justice system. The Deputy National Commissioner, Bonang Ngwenya, applauded both the Thabong Police Station and the Community Policing Forum (CPF) for awards they won at the National Award ceremony.

OFM News/Isaac Mosia