Operation Wanya Tsotsi Takes a Dramatic Turn as MEC’s Entourage Faces Stone-Throwing Incident

Operation Wanya Tsotsi, a proactive initiative aimed at addressing community challenges related to crime, witnessed a dramatic twist when Gauteng Community Safety MEC Faith Mazibuko’s entourage was met with a barrage of stones during their visit to the Marikana informal settlement in Bophelong.

The operation’s primary objectives were to enhance community engagement, establish partnerships with local structures, and mobilise residents in the collective fight against crime. However, an unexpected outbreak of violence overshadowed these efforts.

As MEC Mazibuko arrived in parts of Marikana, accompanied by MMCs and other officials, her entourage encountered a hostile reception with community members hurling stones at them.

This shocking incident stunned both onlookers and officials, as the gathering was to facilitate a constructive dialogue about enhancing safety and security in the area.

Local authorities had been diligently addressing pressing crime concerns. However, this violent outburst posed a significant challenge to their ongoing efforts.

In response to the incident, MEC Mazibuko emphasised that this visit to Marikana was neither the first nor the last.

Also read: M1 Freeway Blocked as Police Investigate Crime Scene After Shootout with Suspected Criminals

“Just last week Friday, we were in this same area to address the challenges of crime. People are not feeling safe, which is precisely why we need to implement a visible policing program. We conducted raids in this area and will continue to do so until our citizens feel safe,” she asserted.

Among the issues addressed by Mazibuko was the satellite police station in Bophelong, which is currently transforming into a full-fledged precinct.

“That police station is in the process of being upgraded to a fully-fledged police station. Unfortunately, it is situated on municipal property. We have requested the municipality to identify land where the police can establish a fully-fledged station. Given the population growth, having a station here is crucial,” she explained.

Commenting on the stone-throwing incident, Lerato Pheeha from Sedibeng Community Safety remarked, “This is not the first time people have been attacked in this area. During the last Operation Shanela, the police were attacked, and a traffic vehicle was damaged when the community began throwing stones. Unfortunately, this is becoming a recurring issue for residents.”

Vanderbijlpark Visible Policing Commander Colonel and Acting Station Commander Van Wyk expressed disappointment, saying, “It is disheartening to receive such a reaction from the community. The launch of Wanya Tsotsi aims to assist the same residents in achieving safety, so receiving such a reaction is disappointing.”

Source: MEC’s entourage stoned during Operation Wanya Tsotsi

Also read:

Express Your Concerns About Crime at the Upcoming Combined Sectors Meeting

Picture: X / GP_CommSafety

Follow us on Google News.