Edenvale community members who attended the Edenvale Community Police Forum Meeting were introduced to Colonel Malesela Malupane, the new acting station commander for the Edenvale Police Station.
Col Malupane’s appointment as acting station commander comes after the dismissal of the previous Edenvale station commander, Robbie Roberts.
Mrs Linda McKenzie, the chairperson of the ECPF, wished the previous station commander well at the January 25 meeting – which was the first meeting since Roberts’ dismissal.
One of the major concerns raised by Mrs Mckenzie at the meeting was the improper reporting of possible police harassment by community members through the use of social media.
Mrs McKenzie said community members need to come forward and open a case with the IPID or the SAPS, instead of only posting the incidents to Facebook or other social media platforms.
“By posting on social media you are already opening yourself up to intimidation, anyone can use social media. Unless community members come forward and stand together nothing can be done,” said Mrs McKenzie.
She said it is important to use the correct channels when reporting corruption or harassment incidents.
Once Mrs Mckenzie had given her report, Col Malupane introduced himself to the community.
After introducing himself, Col Malupane said corruption is not allowed in Edenvale.
“Community members are urged to report corruption with immediate effect,” said Col Malupane.
He said the moment community members take out their wallets they are promoting corruption.
Col Malupane said he is here to work with the community of Edenvale until a new station commander is appointed.
“When that time comes I will say to the station commander, here is my Edenvale – take care of it,” said Col Malupane.
Col Malupane said stop and search operations and crime prevention operations will be carried out in Edenvale.
He said it is important for the community in Edenvale to work alongside the SAPS and provide assistance.
Col Malupane said in his station commander’s report to the community, that crime had decreased in Edenvale when compared to January 2016.
“Crime in Edenvale is still controllable but the community needs to work together to prevent it from getting worse,” said Col Malupane.
He said between January 1 and 25, the Edenvale SAPS had made a total of 64 arrests which varied from possession of stolen property, common theft, business burglary, possession of drugs and house burglary to name a few.
Head of the Detectives at the Edenvale SAPS Colonel Ben Baloyi said between January 1 and 25, 193 cases were opened at the Edenvale Police Station.
“It is important to close any gaps between community members and the SAPS to prevent criminals from taking advantage of the lack of cohesion,” said Col Malupane.
