SAPS Must End Gangster’s Paradise in Temba, Hammanskraal

Today, ActionSA, together with complainants of Manyeleti in Temba, Hammanskraal, has laid criminal charges against a gang of criminals said to be terrorising residents in the area – orchestrating alleged illegal land invasions, and now, an attempted vehicle hijacking.

A case was opened at Temba Police Station. At the time of writing, the South African Police Service (SAPS) had yet to provide a case number for the incident.

This follows reports that on Sunday 9 May 2021, at around 16:00, four alleged assailants attacked a member of the community, claiming that his vehicle belonged to them. Within half an hour, it is alleged that more assailants – alleged to be undocumented foreign nationals – joined the group to assist in the attempted hijacking. Fortunately, members of the community foiled the assailants' plan by intervening.

According to the community, this is not the first instance of criminal activity by the group – who are known to the community.

So far, the SAPS has failed to take decisive action and bring law and order to the community. Mr Frank Nkwanyane, a member of the community, says, "What was once a business hub for locals has now been taken over by these elements."

We cannot stand by and let criminal, no matter who they are and where they come from, to take over our communities. It is the responsibility of SAPS to ensure that the community’s safety is ensured and illegal activity in the area comes to an end Indeed, Numbeo’s 2021 Crime Index, recently ranked Tshwane as the most dangerous South African city to live in, with the highest crime score and lowest safety score.

The days of leaving our communities, particularly the poorest of the poor, to fend for themselves against criminals, must come to an end – ActionSA will fight for the safety and wellbeing of our communities.

We expect that SAPS will investigate the complaints made by the community while equally liaising with the Department of Home Affairs to investigate allegations around undocumented persons and taking steps to ensure the regularisation of said individuals.

ActionSA will be writing to the Department of Home Affairs to ensure that the community’s concerns are brought to the department’s attention.

Together with the community, we will continue to engage the local SAPS to ensure that the matter is addressed.

Statement issued by Abel Tau, ActionSA Gauteng Provincial Campaigns Manager, 12 May 2021