The Democratic Alliance (DA) has called on the Gamagara Municipality to urgently repair faulty streetlights across Kathu, while urging the local South African Police Service (SAPS) to improve police visibility and response times.
Following my recent attendance of a Community Policing Forum (CPF) meeting and participation in a community patrol, it became clear that poor street lighting is creating an environment in which criminal activity can fester, leaving residents feeling increasingly unsafe.
The lack of visible policing and lengthy delays in SAPS responding to reported crimes have further undermined public confidence in the police. Residents report waiting hours for police to respond to incidents, while many also struggle to contact SAPS during emergencies.
These concerns are compounded by operational and logistical challenges within SAPS. The prolonged repair of police vehicles has reduced the number of operational vehicles available to respond to complaints.
At the same time, crime trends are deeply concerning. Property-related crimes have increased significantly, while cases of attempted murder and assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm (GBH) have also risen. Copper cable theft remains a major challenge, with criminals damaging and stealing public infrastructure, resulting in service interruptions, financial losses and serious safety risks.
The continued misuse of shopping trolleys is another concern. They are frequently used to transport suspected stolen goods, while those who knowingly purchase these items help sustain a market for criminal activity.
Despite these challenges, the CPF continues to play a vital role in supporting crime prevention efforts. However, the CPF is operating with limited resources and requires greater support from government, SAPS and the community.
Addressing crime in Kathu requires a coordinated response. The DA calls on the Gamagara Municipality to urgently repair faulty streetlights, on SAPS to improve operational capacity, visibility and responsiveness, and on government and residents to strengthen their support of CPFs.
If every stakeholder plays their part, we can ensure that criminals are caught and convicted and build a safer community for all.