Edenvale commended for unity and cleanliness

Ekurhuleni’s deputy district commissioner, Brigadier Lebohang Machakela commended Edenvale for its cleanliness, compared to other towns, at a recent imbizo.

This feedback was provided after last week’s Operation Okae Molao when an imbizo was held on July 13 at Edenvale Sports Grounds.

It was held between law enforcement and community members as well as stakeholders.

Machakela said the meeting with the community was intended as an opportunity for any concerns, related to crime, to be brought to the SAPS’ attention.

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“When we do police, we are not meant to depend solely on information we know, we rely on information the community has.”

“Communities must raise topics with us. Things that we can address, we do so. Other times we escalate matters to a higher authority.”

No matters or crimes of concern were highlighted by the community at the gathering.

Machakela was joined at the imbizo by the management of Edenvale SAPS, its station commander Colonel Ntombomzi Basholo, Vispol Commander Colonel Lionel Chetty and Edenvale CPF chairperson Sheryl Damerel.

Ekurhuleni’s junior district commissioner Eugene Mavesere, the Vispol commander Busiswa Magubane, branch commander Nonhlanhla Mokoni and support head Nkosazana Mseleku were also present at the meeting.

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Machakela said he was thankful to attend the event with Mavesere and his colleagues.

He said as the SAPS are building stronger relations with today’s youth in an attempt to prevent and fight crime.

Mavesere, who was honoured to be invited, said he and team members hope to focus on the reduction of underage drinking, smoking and the use of drugs by the youth.

“As children, it is something we see daily so we are working on strategies on how to address this.”

“We want new ideas. We are policing in modern times and allowing children to tell us how they want to be policed,” said Machakela.

Machakela said Operation Okae Molao focuses on assisting stations with their own crimes.

“One of the issues raised during the briefing was concern of individuals roaming and loitering in the Avenues,” said Machakela.

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He said to curb this, a large number of people who were sitting along Hendrick Potgieter Street were removed so that they could be profiled by SAPS.

“Although some are looking for piece jobs, history and an analysis of crime has proven that the area near that road is prone to crime,” said Machakela.

“We are not saying that these individuals are the perpetrators of crime but we collected them to verify if any of them are sought for any crimes.”

Machakela also said an abandoned property on Consalves Road was investigated by officers.

“The house was cleared of the people living in it and handed over to the security company.”

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Machakela stated that under Basholo and Chetty, Operation Okae Molao will continue to sustain what was achieved.

Highlighting the cleanliness of Edenvale Machakela said EMPD should be congratulated.

“Compared to other towns the pavements are clean and not filled with hawkers.”

He said those selling items were often seen conducting business near stores.

Machakela commended the sense of unity in Edenvale, which he saw during the operation.

Damerel said it was exciting to hear the comments made by Machakela regarding Edenvale.

Giving special thanks to Essentially Edenvale, Damerel highlighted the work done by the organisation and its volunteers to keep the town clean.

She further thanked the churches, security companies and all stakeholders for working together to improve the town.

“We all need to learn from each other, let’s stand together and fight against crime.”