EMALAHLENI – Residents from across eMalahleni gathered at Lynnville Hall on Thursday, 19 February 2026, to confront law enforcement and government officials over escalating crime, drug activity, inadequate policing and school safety concerns during a public hearing hosted by the Portfolio Committee on Community Safety, Security and Liaison.
The hearing was convened to allow community members to raise safety concerns directly with officials and law enforcement authorities, amid growing dissatisfaction with crime prevention efforts.
Among the dignitaries in attendance were Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee Life Monini, Pekky Shongwe, Thabile Mavimbela, MMC for Safety Sizwe Buthelezi and Teboho Sekaledi.
“Our system has collapsed. We have lost faith and trust in our police officers,” said Ezekiel Maseko, a resident in eMalahleni.
Maseko questioned the professionalism and integrity of some police officers, claiming that victims are often treated poorly when reporting cases.
He added that some officers struggle to properly record statements, resulting in poorly drafted affidavits that weaken cases in court and, in some instances, lead to matters being struck off the roll.
Residents from several wards described what they called inadequate policing and limited visible intervention.
Bongani Hlophe from Ward 13 said the Vosman SAPS is overstretched and unable to effectively serve both Vosman and surrounding areas.
“As residents of the location, we don’t have a police station. We’ve been raising this issue for a couple of years now,” said Hlophe.
He further alleged that eMalahleni has become a hotspot for drug activity, claiming drug dealers operate openly without consequence. Hlophe called for increased visible policing, regular stop-and-search operations and targeted interventions in known drug-affected areas such as Schoongezicht.
Representing the Congress of South African Students (COSAS), Shaun Motsoeneng highlighted the growing issue of burglaries at schools and increasing incidents of learner violence.
He said criminal elements target school infrastructure, stealing equipment and vandalising property, which disrupts learning and places both learners and educators at risk.
Motsoeneng called for stronger collaboration between schools, police and community structures to safeguard educational institutions.
A School Governing Body member from Phillip Ndimande High School, Anna Mashiane, urged parents to take a more active role in combating drug abuse in schools, particularly the use of ‘choef’.
“As parents, let’s go back to being parents because now it seems like our kids are controlling us. They are the ones in charge,” said Mashiane.
Paulina Mokoena from the Community Policing Forum (CPF) in Vosman highlighted the role played by residents who knowingly purchase stolen goods.
“People who buy stolen items are part of the problem. If they are found with stolen property, they must also be arrested,” she said, emphasising that community accountability is crucial in the fight against crime.
MMC for Safety Sizwe Buthelezi acknowledged the seriousness of the level of crime in the municipality and urged residents to work collaboratively with police.
“As a community, we are the ones affected the most when it comes to crime, and we need to work together with the police to ensure that crime in our communities stops,” said Buthelezi.
He encouraged residents to fully utilise the presence of Legislature representatives.
“We say that the police do not hear us. Well, today they are here to listen.”
The Portfolio Committee committed to consolidating the concerns raised and engaging relevant departments and law enforcement agencies on possible interventions.
Residents were encouraged to continue working with police and community safety structures to rebuild trust and strengthen crime prevention efforts in eMalahleni.
