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An armed robber was recently arrested following a manhunt in Uitenhage. After receiving reports on the local WhatsApp group that a community member was robbed in the Kariega area, the local Fidelity CIC control room immediately handed over the description of the male to the team on the ground and a manhunt was activated.
With the assistance of community reports on the WhatsApp group, Fidelity managed to track the armed suspect, who attempted to run into nearby bushes.
One resident who wished to remain anonymous expressed his pride in his community, “South Africa is so plagued with criminals, and as residents of these communities, we can’t always sit and wait for authorities to save us. I’m an old man, so I’m not very tech-savvy, but I suggest everyone gets on their community WhatsApp group to take the initiative. We have to look out for one another, and this is one of the ways to do it,” he said.
“When community works together, and helps armed response, we have hope for safer environments for ourselves and our children,” the man concluded.
Instead of taking matters in their own hands, communities are encouraged to report crime to authorities, so they are dealt with legally.
Provincial Commissioner, Lt Gen Nomthetheleli Mene of the South African Police Services recently warned communities that one cannot resolve crime by committing crime. “Mob justice not only violates the law, but it also poses significant risks to individuals who may be wrongfully targeted,” she said.
Mene urged communities to reject such cruel acts of violence, instead to stand with police in the pursuit of justice. “Together we can make a difference, but we can only do so by working within the framework of our legal system. We have experienced detective officers who will investigate and address crime through the legal channels. Taking the law into your own hands will turn a citizen into a criminal,” she cautioned.
