The Bedfordview Police Station is well on its way to becoming the best station in the country.
This is according to the station’s newly-appointed head, Colonel Sevha Shiburi, who recently revealed his plans and aspirations for the station.
According to Col Shiburi, although his vision had not changed since his arrival at the station as the acting station commander on March 17, he would like to see Bedfordview become one of the safest places to live and work in.
“There is already increased police visibility in the area and we are mobilising our communities to be the eyes and ears of the police. We also conduct road blocks on a daily basis,” he said.
Col Shiburi said he was proud that none of the malls and shopping centres in the Bedfordview SAPS policing precinct are in the top 10 list of those targeted and hit by robbers.
He said, “We have managed to decrease the number of house robberies as well as white collar crimes, but we still encourage members of the public to remain extra careful when doing their shopping and to know where their cards are at all times.”
As far as the so-called follow home from the airport robberies are concerned, Col Shiburi said the Edenvale offramp on the R24 is one of the hot-spots and encouraged motorists to only stop where they feel safe.
“Even if the ‘officers’ show you a police badge, or any identification card, do not stop if you suspect they may be criminals. Instead, turn on your hazard lights and drive to the nearest police station, or where you feel safe,” he added.
Col Shiburi said he attends as many community activities as he can.
“This gives people the chance to interact with me outside the station. They share how they want to be policed and at times give helpful tip-offs. We also host Imbizos on weekends in Elandsfontein, mainly because the station is far from the residents living there and they get to share their challenges with us,” he added.
Col Shiburi said other crime hot-spots include Meadowdale, where the theft of Toyota Hilux bakkies was on the rise, as well as at the corner of Boeing Road and Van der Linde, where many smash and grab cases were recorded.
“We urge motorists to not give beggars money because they can sometimes get aggressive and threaten your life,” he added.
If he is not at work or at home, Col Shiburi can be spotted coaching the station’s soccer team.
“Soccer is my hobby and by coaching the team, I am able to keep the morale high while keeping the officers fit,” he said.
Asked what advice he would give to new police recruits, Col Shiburi said, “A positive attitude goes a long way. They can look up to me as a role model. Every morning at 5am, I attend morning parade, during which I tell the members that corruption does not pay and they need to watch who they associate with when not at work as it might lead them into trouble.”
