Melikhaya Zagagana22 April 2024 | 6:35

Gugulethu community to Cele: Lack of recreational facilities among reasons for crime increase

At a crime imbizo held on Saturday in the area, community members told Police Minister Bheki Cele that there's a noticeable lack of recreational facilities and social support needed for the upbringing and development of youth in the area.

Gugulethu community to Cele: Lack of recreational facilities among reasons for crime increase

FILE: Minister Bheki Cele addressed residents in Hanover Park Photo: @SAPoliceService/X

CAPE TOWN - The community of Gugulethu in Cape Town has pointed to the lack of sporting and cultural facilities as one of the reasons for heightened crime levels in the area.

At a crime imbizo held on Saturday in the area, community members told Police Minister Bheki Cele that there's a noticeable lack of recreational facilities and social support needed for the upbringing and development of youth in the area.

Community Policing Forum chairperson in the area, Ntandazo Gcingca, said this was disappointing, considering that the township had produced celebrated personalities in the past.

"There are no opportunities, and there are lot of filmmakers here that are putting applications to structures such as National Film and Video Foundation, but they are not getting any assistance. That's why we directly appeal to the Minister of Arts and Culture and Sport. Gugulethu used to be number one in sports."

Cele, however, assured the community that their crime concerns were being addressed, through the overhauling of the local police station's management which now has a new station commander to improve service delivery.