The City of Joburg has called for a swift investigation following a burglary at the Soweto Empowerment Zone (SEZ) over the weekend.
Various electronics were stolen including five desktop computers and a TV screen. A case has been opened with the South African Police Service as well as the City’s group forensics unit (GFIS) and investigations are underway.
Preliminary information indicates that the thieves gained access into the facility via one of the bathroom windows.
The Member of the Mayoral Committee responsible for Economic Development, Councillor Leah Knott, said the matter is concerning as the City is working on a limited budget to supply resources to communities.
‘‘The Soweto Empowerment Zone is a facility meant to support small businesses in the township, as the City believes in the potential of SMMEs to achieve the objective of a five percent economic growth. We cannot allow criminals to continue stealing valuable resources that are benefiting communities. We trust that law enforcement will get to the bottom of the matter quickly and that the suspects will be brought to book. As the City, we request communities to assist with information that will lead to the arrests of the suspects, ’’she said.
MMC Knott is particularly concerned as the City has just opened Atlehang Opportunity Centre inside the facility.
‘‘It is extremely concerning that this has happened. We opened the Opportunity Centre to assist entrepreneurs with knowledge and resources to enable them to run sustainable businesses. This is threatening to undo the good work.’’
Atlehang is among eight centres opened across the City. They provide a range of services, including guidance and mentorship for entrepreneurs and links job seekers to opportunities both in the public and private sector through innovative jobs seekers’ portal.
MMC Knott also encouraged communities to refrain from buying any of the items on the streets without any proof of where they come from.
‘‘The buying of any stolen items is an offence and it also creates a market for criminals. We should not allow criminals to interrupt the good work that the City has been doing to create a conducive environment for communities to participate in the economy of Johannesburg.”
Security measures will be reviewed to ensure that public resources are safe guarded. ‘‘These are public resources and we cannot afford to lose them to crime. We will take necessary steps to ensure that all of our facilities are secured, ’’ added MMC Knott.
For media queries, kindly contact:
Kgopi Mabotja
Stakeholder Manager: Office of the MMC for Economic Development
Cell: 078 579 7817
Email: kgopim@joburg.org.za
