SAPS need to act swiftly on Westbury crime

16 August 2016

The residents of Westbury in Johannesburg can no longer tolerate yet another gunshot, shooting, killing or any unrest in the community. 

Westbury has become a warzone. Year on year, residents mourn the loss of loved ones. 

Most recently a series of shootouts occurred in the community over the weekend. Daily shootings have become the norm.

SAPS in the community are not taking swift action. Residents have said that very little to no action is taken by the Sophiatown Police Station officers.

According to the latest crime statistics, 16 murders occurred and a further 86 attempted murders were reported at the Sophiatown SAPS. 

An astonishing number of drug related crimes were committed during 2014/15, with a total of 1515 reported. 

I will write to the Provincial Police Commissioner, Lt General D.S de Lange, to plead with them to put a specialised task team in place to monitor and pre-empt violence and drug related crime in Westbury. 

We cannot allow the situation to deteriorate any further. The time for action by SAPS and the MEC is now. 

Residents of Westbury, especially women and children, cannot be subjected to such violence and scourge of drug related crimes. 

Issued by Kate Lorimer, DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Community Safety, 16 August 2016