Mandalay residents split on how to tackle rising crime

One of the longest street in Mandalay has become a problem to the community. Residents of Mandalay are divided over the rising crime and criminal activity, which many say is plunging the area into chaos. Frustrated by what they describe as “deteriorating safety conditions,” some community members are calling for certain streets to be barricaded in an effort to curb criminal behaviour.

However, Sector 1 Sub Forum chairperson Thembinkosi Caso believes community engagement remains the most effective weapon in the fight against crime. Caso acknowledged the devastating toll crime has taken on families and individuals in Mandalay and urged both men and women to join the street committees and community policing forum initiative to help create a safer environment for future generations. “I can confirm that we are facing a crime challenge, but we are not folding our arms,” he said.

He stated that criminals had previously targeted local kiosks, with 32 allegedly set alight. Others have been involved in stealing car tyres, leaving vehicles propped up on bricks. “You wake up to find your car standing on bricks with no tyres. But I can confirm that those responsible were arrested and are now in jail,” he said.