THE community of Digwale, near Vaalbank in Mpumalanga, told safety and security MEC Sibongile Manana yesterday that the government should consider setting up a satellite police station in their area .

THE community of Digwale, near Vaalbank in Mpumalanga, told safety and security MEC Sibongile Manana yesterday that the government should consider setting up a satellite police station in their area .

They said villages around Vaalbank had expanded and the local police station was failing to service the whole area adequately.

Manana was at an imbizo at Somlokotho Primary School.

Villagers complained that stock theft and domestic violence were rife in the area and the police station was far.

They said the police usually did not respond on time when called to crime scenes as they apparently had no vehicles.

They also claimed that police officers used state vehicles for personalreasons.

Responding to the complaints, Manana called on the police to respect their work by taking care of state assets.

She urged the community to report officers who misused state property, adding that corrupt officers had no place in the provincial government.

"It is everyone's business to look after government property, report any corrupt activities," she said.

Regarding the satellite police station, Manana said police management would look into the matter.

She urged the people to mark their livestock to make it easy to identify them and for the police to investigate.

Speaking at the same event, deputy provincial commissioner Rex Machabi said the police were concerned about the many liquor outlets as crime was caused by people under the influence of alcohol.

He said liquor traders should comply with the Liquor Board Regulations by not selling alcohol beyond the stipulated hours and to minors.

Machabi said the police should increase visibility in the area.

He urged the villagers to help the police fight crime by joining a community policing forum.