Minister of Police
Residents of Westbury say they are being sidelined from official police engagements aimed at addressing gang violence and drug crime. They argue that without their input, interventions fail to reflect the reality on the ground, leaving communities frustrated and distrustful of authorities.
Residents of Westbury, a suburb west of Johannesburg, have raised concerns over being excluded from engagements organized by the national Police Ministry and local police authorities. Community members say they were not invited to meetings discussing interventions to tackle persistent gang violence and drug trafficking in the area.
“They are making decisions about our safety without speaking to the people who live it every day,” said one resident. “We face gunshots, funerals, and constant fear, yet our voices are ignored.” The exclusion, they argue, erodes trust between the community and law enforcement.
Police officials have not responded directly to the claims but have emphasized that Westbury remains a priority for the Anti‑Gang Unit and other interventions. Previous reports have highlighted challenges in policing the area, including concerns over officers allegedly interfering with crime prevention.
Westbury has long battled gang-related shootings and drug-related crime, leaving residents feeling unprotected and unheard. Community leaders stress that any effective crime strategy must involve input from those living in the area, or efforts risk failing.
For residents, being left out of decision-making processes only compounds frustration and distrust. They insist that meaningful engagement is essential if interventions are to succeed and the cycle of violence is to be broken.
