Retired police officers from the Londanani Pensioners Club have pledged to assist the Makhado Cluster in the fight against crime by sharing their experience and supporting active officers. The group, made up mostly of former station commissioners from across the Vhembe region, met at the Makhado Show Grounds on 18 November to discuss their role in crime prevention.
Former officer Dennis Nenweli said current policing standards were failing communities. He said their aim as retirees was to help both the police and residents combat the rising crime rate. "We as the retired police we see the current police losing the battle as long as police officers are in cahoots with the criminals. Taking a bribe is corruption, which in turn becomes a stumbling block to safety and security," he said.
Nenweli reminded serving officers of the oath they took to act with honesty and loyalty. "Police rifles should not be used to harm law-abiding citizens, but to target the criminals who have rendered our country ungovernable." He encouraged communities and stakeholders in the Makhado Cluster to continue working closely with the police.
He added that retirees still felt deeply connected to the profession. "What we will miss the most is the diversity of this policing area, our colleagues, and the interaction with different stakeholders who have become such an integral part of our life."
Nenweli urged residents to reject all forms of crime, including ritual killings, and said he believed prayer could help heal the wounds caused by violence in Vhembe. Crime prevention, he emphasised, is a collective responsibility.
Former Tshilwavhusiku SAPS station commissioner Mashudu Muedi also warned corrupt officers who work with criminals. He praised the "dedicated ambassadors of peace" who serve with integrity but said elements who protect criminals must be rooted out. He encouraged the public to report criminal activity, so perpetrators can be brought to book.