Member of the Mayoral Committee, Councillor Stag Mitchell.Photo: SUPPLIED
NELSON Mandela Bay Municipality’s Safety and Security Member of the Mayoral Committee, Councillor Stag Mitchell, has urged the South African Police Service (SAPS) to remove a gambling machine at a spaza shop in Bloemendal.
This request was made during a recent crime prevention walkabout in the area, where children reportedly fight over gambling daily.
The walkabout was led by the Safety and Security Directorate, in partnership with SAPS and the Community Policing Forum (CPF).
Mitchell stressed that the Metro is addressing safety and security challenges holistically and cannot allow children to be groomed into gambling at a young age, as this habit can have serious consequences if done irresponsibly.
“We have engaged with community members to bring a sense of safety, in collaboration with law enforcement agencies. During the walkabout, we were shown a shop with a gambling machine that creates chaos,” said Mitchell.
“Children are physically fighting because of that one machine, so I requested the SAPS remove that machine. It’s important that they remove that machine so that we can bring calm to that street and allow the children to play other, safer games, instead of fighting over a gambling machine,” he said.
“We thank our committed metro police, security, and traffic services officers, as well as our stakeholders, including the CPF and SAPS.
“We cannot announce our next stop, but we will work the streets in the northern areas, Kariega, and townships like New Brighton and KwaZakhele up until December 2024,” added Mitchell.
Bethelsdorp CPF chairperson, Karen Kemp, welcomed the initiative and highlighted the community’s urgent need for assistance in combating gun violence in the area.
“The crime that is high at the moment is the shootings, which can happen at any time of the day. We never know when they will start,” she said.
“We are glad that the municipality is partnering with the CPF. For some time, it seemed like nobody was concerned about what was happening in our communities. I hope the partnership will be fruitful, good, and lasting,” Kemp said.
The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality urged all residents to work closely with law enforcement agencies to reduce and combat crime.
“By reporting suspicious activities and supporting community initiatives, we can create a safer environment for everyone. Together, we can make a difference,” Mitchell concluded.
Residents are urged to report any incidents of crime to the NMBM Metro Police control room on 041 508 5501, or the Security Services control centre on 041 506 5500.