An imbizo called by the Khayelitsha (Site B) Community Policing Forum (CPF) on Tuesday afternoon 5 April failed to materialise due to bad weather.
However, this did not prevent the local police and CPF members from handing out crime awareness pamphlets. They also spoke to residents about crime trends in the area.
The imbizo was called to address a growing trend where nurses, medical staff and municipal officials are robbery targets. The meeting also sought to discuss the vandalism of infrastructure in Site B.
According to reports, the robberies are causing a lot of anxiety among workers when they are on their way to and from work.
These crimes are said to be taking place during peak hours in the morning 06:00 to 08:00 and evenings 17:00 to 20:00.
CPF Secretary Phindile George told City Vision the imbizo was aimed at starting dialogue in the community and to encourage residents to safeguard the essential service workers.
“Basically, today we had a blitzing and community engagements regarding crime hotspots at the traffic lights and nearby community opposite the Khayelitsha, Site B day hospital. This was regarding the robbery of medical staff who are very stressed about what is taking place, the crime directed to them in the area,” he said.
George said the Khayelitsha, Site B CPF together with Khayelitsha, Site B police management had a meeting with the health officials to look at possible solutions.
“We gave an undertaking that we will go and speak to community members and also mobilise resources to try and have visible neighbourhood watch patrols as well as SAPS and other law enforcement agencies. This is to try and stop the criminal activity in the area,” he said.