Hours after Voice of Parkwood (VOP) handed over a memorandum of concerns about the area’s safety to Grassy Park police on Saturday April 21, a man was shot and died with a gunshot wound in his head, on his way to hospital.
Warrant Officer Wynita Kleinsmith, spokesperson for Grassy Park police, said the 23-year-old man was found wounded, on Sunday April 22, at 12.15am.
“ A murder docket was opened and the case is under investigation,” she said.
Before the memorandum was handed over, residents shouted “enough is enough” about the “continual loss of lives” in the area.
They demanded an immediate deployment of more police resources or a satellite police station and a permanent sector vehicle in Parkwood.
The community also want an investigation of police officers who, they say, are involved in illegal dealings with gang leaders and negative elements in the community.
VOC expects feedback and engagement with Grassy Park police within seven working days of signing of the memorandum.
Acting Grassy Park station commander, Colonel Christian Esau, signed and accepted the memorandum and told Southern Mail they are busy drafting a response. “We will meet with VOC before the cut-off time,” he said.
Philip Bam, spokesperson for the Grassy Park Community Forum (CPF), said in order to strengthen the ties between police and the community, the CPF will be embarking on an awareness programme over the next few weeks.
“We appreciate that there are community members who will come forward with information on crime and location of guns in the area. The community is encouraged to contact the CPF confidentially with information on which the police will act. We are determined to join hands with the community and police to rid our suburbs such as Parkwood, Ottery and Lotus River of gangsterism and crime.
“Our programmes are designed to change the mindsets of our children and to debunk the glorification of gangsters as role models.”
Mr Bam said the neighbourhood watches play an important role in crime prevention and the CPF thanked those volunteers who give time and resources to keep the community safe.
Mr Bam said: “The CPF is working on a strategy in its #gangsterismshallfall campaign. More will be made available later.”
Colonel Esau said: “The reward system proves to be fruitful. This system allows any adult member of the community to become pro-actively involved in the prevention of crime. Crime and criminals can be reported and a reward could be received by the reporter.”
Anyone with information on crime can call the police at 021 700 3940 or Crime Stop at 08600 10111. All information will be treated as highly confidential.
