During the festive season the Sebenza SAPS noted that very few incidents of what the police station classifies to be serious crime were reported and that overall the period was quiet.
Sergeant Sharron Tsotsotso, spokesperson for the Sebenza SAPS, said during the festive season 86 arrests were made.
The arrests varied from:
- Drunk driving.
- Assault with the intent to do grievous bodily harm.
- Possession of drugs.
- Possession of a stolen motor vehicle.
- Possession of stolen property.
- Theft.
- Dealing of drugs.
- Possession of unlicensed firearm.
Sgt Tsotsotso said because of the number of arrests and the crimes prevented the period was a success.
She said with the assistance from the community’s alertness and information, arrests could be made quickly and crimes were prevented.
“Since the last festive season of 2015/16 there has been an 80 percent decrease in crime. Only one serious crime was reported this year,” said Sgt Tsotsotso.
She said the crimes classified as serious crimes by Sebenza SAPS include murder, robbery and hijackings.
The report of a serious crime during this period, a business robbery, resulted in the arrest of four male suspects, who were charged with business robbery and possession of stolen property.
Sgt Tsotsotso said with the detailed information provided by a security guard who was tied up during the robbery, a detective team, which deals specifically with serious crimes, was able to track down and apprehend the suspects quickly.
One of the joint initiatives held by the Sebenza SAPS and the Sebenza Community Police Forum (CPF) during the festive period saw members of the SAPS and CPF handing out party packs to children in the station’s policing precinct.
Sgt Tsotsotso said the event held on December 24 aimed to strengthen the relationship between the SAPS and the community.
“One of the Sebenza CPF dressed up as Father Christmas for the event,” said Sgt Tsotsotso.
Sgt Tsotsotso said Following the success of the festive period the Sebenza SAPS plans to continue working closely with the community and build upon the strong relationship already established.
“In 2017 the Sebenza SAPS wants to engage more with the schools, churches, youth, security companies and businesses to strengthen relationships,” said Sgt Tsotsotso.
She said she would like to see the community mobilised and active in the fight against crime.
Sgt Tsotsotso said in 2017 with the addition of new members, who recently finished their police training, Sebenza SAPS hopes to also increase its visible policing in the area.
“The Sebenza SAPS take all crimes seriously and request that community members continue to work alongside the SAPS to help fight crime,” said Sgt Tsotsotso.
She said that if community members wish to report any information or tip offs to the Sebenza SAPS they can do so by:
r Phoning Sgt Tsotsotso.
r Coming to the station.
r Leave an anonymous tipoff in the sugeestion box.
“If community members need any information they should not hesitate to contact me at anytime,” said Sgt Tsotsotso.
She said anyone who would like to find out more about providing information to the SAPS of being an reservist should also contact her.
Sgt Tsotsotso can be contacted on: 0731167865.
