Meloding men join hands to combat criminal elements

Angry Meloding community are up in arms, as men in the area have joined forces to stamp their feet on criminal elements to protect their community after alleged gangsters raped a woman last month, in Virginia, Meloding.

The residents are still in shock after a woman was cornered by 10 men who collectively raped her for two consecutive times in her home.

Men came in numbers to assist the Police in eradicating crime in their residential area.

Police spokesperson in Lejweleputswa captain Stephen Thakeng said these men have taken a decision to stand in solidarity with their community, where they will undergo training to be principled community patrollers.

“On Thursday, 17 February at about 18:00 members of Social Crime Prevention led by Captain Daniel Kareli held a mass meeting in sector four to encourage residents to police themselves through Community Patrolling initiative,” Thakeng said.

“Men came in their large numbers which is an indication that residents are sick tired of crime taking place in their residential area,” he added.

“Captain Kareli and Community Policing Forum Deputy Chairperson, Me. Nomalanga Nikelo guided the residents as to how to be a community Patroller, it was emphasized that you work under the supervision of police members for guidance in terms of the law of our country,” he added.

“They were also advised that they do not have take law into our own hands,” added Thakeng.

Nike encouraged residents to be part of CPF so that they can be made aware of Crime Pattern Analysis and Hotspots in Meloding policing station precinct.

The Station Commander of Meloding, Lt Col Mankatsa Magage appreciated the residents for coming in numbers and assured residents that if they stand together more can be done to eradicate crime.

She further emphasized that there is hope when men take ownership of declaring that enough is enough with criminal acts happening.

To give an update on the alleged gangsters who are apprehended for rape, Thakeng said, the seventh suspect has been arrested and manhunt continues for the remaining three suspects.