The Sebenza Community Police Forum (CPF) held a patrollers meeting on August 20 at the Sebenza Police Station.
The new station commander, Lieutenant Colonel Catharine van Wyngard was officially introduced to the new patrollers.
CPF executive chairman, Mr Andrew Mosesi noted the increase in the number of patrollers. However he raised a concern that Cresslawn and Esther Park proper were not represented.
Some of the issues discussed at the August meeting arise from their July meeting.
Mr Mosesi said the meeting touched on a number of issues that need to be looked at. It was asked if any feedback was available on the Nissan NP200 cloned SAPS vehicle. Lt Col Van Wyngard stated this was still under investigation.
It was reported that the patroller ID cards are being finalised and verified for approval by SAPS Legal Services.
Mr Mosesi requested that additional departments such as the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Social Development and private security companies be invited to attend meetings on a monthly basis. He said a person will be appointed to make sure that the CPF Facebook page is updated regularly with relevant information.
Lt Col Van Wyngard, suggested SAPS workshops to identify the roles of CPF patrollers. An accountability session was also stated. Mr Scott will ensure that a two-way radio is made available to the charge office for communication between SAPS and CPF patrollers, with radio call signs.
Lt Col Van Wyngard presented the current available crime trends and analysis for the area. Theft out of and from motor vehicle was raised as a concern.
Kempton Park West was mentioned as a hot-spot as the CPF doesn’t have presence in the area. “There are people who are reported to be patrolling; however they haven’t made contact with the Sebenza CPF for assistance,” said Mr Mosesi.
He said the trends show that crimes occur mostly on Monday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday with regards to residential burglary.
The times these occur are between 7am and 6pm, with 3pm being the most likely time.
General theft is the highest reported crime at Sebenza SAPS currently.
Station ratings, crime trends and analysis can be made available on request from Lt Col Van Wyngard.
Lt Col Van Wyngard will do a presentation on the above items at the next CPF meeting.
Mr Mosesi said it was important that patrollers know who are the officers deployed in each shift to work together with SAPS.
He said this will assist the community because patrollers can respond to calls while SAPS is on their way. Other crime prevention and crime awareness operations will involve both deployments of SAPS members and CPF members.
The next meeting date is yet to be confirmed.
