Although there were challenges experienced over the past year, the Jeppe SAPS had several successes and will implement more initiatives to combat crime over the next year.
“2013 was a challenging year for the Jeppe SAPS. Certain crimes increased while some decreased. Robbery with aggravating circumstances, such as street robberies where cellular phones were taken, increased. The most concerning crimes over the past year were smash-and-grab incidents and street robberies. Station management increased visible policing and street patrols in hot spots to address this. There was a decrease in housebreaking, rape, murder, assault and theft,” said Brigadier Govindsamy Mariemutnoo, the Jeppe SAPS station commander.
He added that management recruited more street patrollers and youth desk members, and increased sector policing to bring about community participation in the fight against crime.
Brig Mariemuthoo said that over the past year, there have been numerous arrests and several convictions.
“We had several convictions where suspects were sentenced to many years in prison. An accused was sentenced to 14 years for car hijacking. Issac Nembahe was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment for business robbery. Andries Shilawule was sentenced to 12 years for armed robbery. Brian Jones was sentenced to 13 years for robbery and Mthobisi Malinga was sentenced to 15 years for murder,” said Brig Mariemuthoo.
Community’s trust
When asked what management is doing to bring about more trust in the Jeppe SAPS, as well as community members coming forward with information, Brig Mariemuthoo said there are campaigns and events held to interact with people.
“Trust in the Jeppe SAPS is improving. We will continue to improve. We do receive information from the community. We will create partnerships with various departments, including business, increase visibility and work with communities to bring about better policing and reduction in crime over the following year.
“The station needs to identify certain areas that need attention and to recruit more street patrollers next year,” said Brig Mariemuthoo.
He urged the community to interact and participate in sector forums and assist with information to solve crimes. Brig Mariemuthoo said the community can look forward to better service delivery and response to complaints next year.
“We will be working with other departments such as SARS, City of Joburg and the JMPD to adopt a multi-disciplinary approach,” said Brig Mariemuthoo. He added that over the next year there will also be more visible policing.
