THE spread of vigilantism poses a serious threat to the safety and security of communities because it promotes violence and unnecessary deaths.

Suspects succumb to unacceptably hefty punishment they wouldn't suffer had they been subjected to a trial by a legitimate court of law.

Alas, some are punished for crimes they never committed. As the country's principal law enforcers, the South African Police Service has a responsibility to serve and protect all people of South Africa and their properties.

But, this daunting task should not remain on the shoulders and in the hands of the police alone. Police can't attain victory over crime without the involvement of the entire community.

It is for this reason that the police have opened their doors for community members to participate in the fight against crime. But, it is of immense concern that some members of our communities do not act against crime at all, while others deliberately - and wrongfully - take action against criminal suspects.

The recent horrible incidents of vigilantism indicate that our communities seem to choose violence as a panacea to criminality.

It shouldn't be tolerated because an eye for an eye makes the world blind and two wrongs cannot make a right. If left uncurbed it can lead to a cycle of violence since incidents of vengeance might emerge, which will effectively divide our communities.

You can call SAPS Emergency number 10111, Crime Stop: 08600 10111 or SMS Crime Line: 32211 and Shout: 33335 to report crimes. Through the strength of unity, we can prevent unnecessary deaths and with clean hands we can squeeze crime to zero.

Siphiwe Mahlangu - SA Police Service, Corporate Communication, National Media Centre, Pretoria.