Crime wardens shielded in alleged drug dealer’s death

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The Gauteng Department of Community Safety has defended reports involving Prevention Wardens in the murder of an alleged drug dealer in Katlehong, Ekurhuleni policing precinct last week Wednesday.

According to news reports, the alleged drug dealer died mysteriously after being interrogated by a presenter of Moja Love’s popular anti-drug TV Show, Sizokuthola’s and his crew as well as enforcers.

The Crime Prevention Wardens were in Katlehong policing precinct as part of ward-based policing and were not in any way involved in the interrogation of the suspected drug dealer, the department spokesperson Ofentse Morwane revealed.

“The department would like to inform the public that investigation into the case continues at this stage as informed by the local police station. In the meantime, the department calls upon the members of the public to refrain from taking the law into their own hands.

The members of community have avenues they can explore to raise their policing concerns instead of resorting to vigilantism. These avenues include raising their concerns with their police stations and local community leaders so that they can understand their frustrations and map a way forward to address their concerns,” he expressed. 

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Morwane said the department is relentless in its efforts to strengthen the fight against crime, corruption, lawlessness and vandalism through the recruitment of the 6 000 Crime Prevention Wardens.

He continued; “These wardens are working with law enforcement authorities to keep Gauteng communities safe and secure. Since the introduction of the wardens in the 361 wards in the Township Informal Settlements (TISH) areas, the fight against crime has been accelerated, thus enhancing visibility and ensuring timeous response to reported crime incidents.

“These wardens continue to provide early warning “Crime Intelligence gathering” through their interaction with community structures and other sources as well as tackling lawlessness through heightened enforcement amongst others.”

Morwane said any efforts aimed at undermining the work of the wardens must be condemned in its contempt. 

“The department will not be derailed in its concerted efforts of building safer communities as envisaged in the National Development Plan 2030. The department will continue to work closely with law enforcement agencies to root out drugs in our respective communities since they are one of the many contributing factors to crime,” Morwane concluded.