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The Member of the Mayoral Committee for Human Settlements in the City of Johannesburg, Councillor Mlungisi Mabaso, has urged residents of informal settlements not to obstruct the police in carrying out their duties in these areas.

This follows a meeting between MMC Mabaso and the management of the South African Police Service (SAPS) at the Orlando police station to address challenges in informal settlements under its jurisdiction.

Law enforcement officials told MMC Mabaso of the difficulties policing areas such as Coal Yard, where residents are reportedly hostile towards the police and resistant to their presence.

In one incident, police responding to a distress call entered a resident’s home to provide assistance. Upon returning to their vehicle, they found that all its tyres had been punctured with a sharp object. Residents have also openly expressed their opposition to police patrolling their neighbourhood.

MMC Mabaso described these incidents as deeply concerning, highlighting that such actions undermine the City’s efforts to improve informal settlements and make them safer for residents.

“Preventing police from entering informal settlements is unacceptable. Police respond to distress calls when residents face life-threatening situations. Hindering them from performing their duties or damaging their vehicles is completely wrong,” Mabaso said.

He emphasised that a lack of police presence compromises residents’ safety. “Once criminals realise that police cannot access the area, they will act with impunity,” he warned.

MMC Mabaso also noted that the City is currently upgrading 67 informal settlements as part of its Human Settlements programme, which includes constructing roads to improve access for emergency services such as ambulances and police.

“Obstructing police counteracts the progress we are making to ensure that informal settlements are safe and decent places to live,” he added

Issued by City of Johannesburg