By Neelam Rahim

Radio Islam discusses the launch of a new operation and other crime-related issues in Lenasia with District Commissioner Major General Max Masha.  

“The community questioned where the police were when things were happening. We then decided to launch operation Okae Molao, which means “where is the law” bringing more resources into the area to be more visible to the community, This operation entails allocating adequate resources within the district. Increased visibility of the police plans to assist area station commanders, providing them with resources for the possible detainment of criminals. ” says Major General. 

General Masha says, “Assessments by the SAPS in the main areas of challenge they currently face in the Lenasia district; in terms of violent crimes, Lehae is our challenge —assault and murders, we need to double our game there. Lenasia faces car hijacking, drugs, and common robberies. Successes in late Lenasia, 75 drug arrests included users and drug dealers. We need the community to operate with us as a challenge we face is the drug dealers do not hide the drugs on their premises. They hide them somewhere else. The community as our source needs to be more informative in tips off where the drugs are kept. There are various South African police service units, so kidnapping cases are not investigated locally. Some kidnappers are international and could not be studied locally at the office level. As both the kidnapped and kidnappers are from within the area, we will have to up our game as serious concerns are emerging about a new phenomenon that Lenasia has become a seeming hotspot for kidnapping” 

Regular operations about cable theft and other crimes in Lenasia are being carried out. Ideally, we would like to reach a stage where people feel safe because there’s little or no crime. Unfortunately, when it comes to crimes like robberies and assault, we can’t say that it is. But it is not a huge problem in this area when it comes to cable theft, added Major Masha. 

 Major General says, “The rule on SAPS members is immediate suspension should they be found guilty. If need be, following the expeditious process can result in immediate termination. Regarding CPF members being arrested is concrete removal from his position. Our vision for SAPS Lenasia is the community works closely with us as we need each other to feel safe.