Mhlongo ready to serve Bedfordview
“We need as much information as possible from our residents to alleviate crime. We need to work together."
![](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2019/04/2_37249.jpg)
Lt Col Eric Mhlongo has been appointed acting station commander at Bedfordview SAPS and will not take this position lightly, beginning with the May 8 elections.
He has been serving SAPS for 31 years.
Mhlongo began his career at the Brixton Police Station and then moved into Vispol policing.
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He has been the Vispol commander for Bedfordview since 2015.
“I love being the Vispol commander.
“I deal with crime prevention in the area. This means I deal directly with residential related problems,” said Mhlongo.
Mhlongo said that the job can be challenging.
“I am more involved in the day to day now as acting station commander. I deal with all the complaints sent to the station, but I have the tools to handle any situation,” said Mhlongo.
As a station commander, Mhlongo said you need to have a lot of tolerance and patience when dealing with the public and members.
“Everyone is now looking at me, I am held accountable for any crime in the area. I also have to encourage other members of the station at all times,” said Mhlongo.
Community involvement is what Mhlongo needs at the station, as he said they cannot combat crime alone.
“We need as much information as possible from our residents to alleviate crime.
“We need to work together. We need crime to be reported to us first,” said Mhlongo.
Mhlongo said he wants to change the view of Bedfordview when it comes to crime.
He said he wants Bedfordview to be known as a safe neighbourhood.
Therefore, Mhlongo said since he has been in this new role he has been patrolling non-stop in the area.
“I patrol every day at all the hot spots in the area and get home late at night. I am always on duty. I am giving my all to this position.” said Mhlongo.
Mhlongo said what he enjoys most about his position is working with the community by helping them and ensuring safety.
He said his position is his passion and takes it very seriously.
“I always think that whatever crime happens, how would I feel if that would happen to myself or a family member. That always motivates me.
“I have a job to do and I will do it,“ said Mhlongo.
Mhlongo said Bedfordview SAPS is ready for the upcoming elections and for any deployment in the area, they’ve drafted a plan for the day to make sure everything runs smoothly.
He added Bedfordview will have seven voting stations.
“We hope no incidents will occur on the day, but I have faith in this community that there won’t be. I truly do not expect anything to happen on Voting Day,” said Mhlongo.
He said he will be patrolling the entire day on May 6 and 7 for special votes and will be patrolling day and night on May 8.
On what issues mostly arise in Bedfordview, Mhlongo said motor vehicle theft and theft out of motor vehicles are problems.
He said residents need to always make sure loose items are secure, not in the public eye and to always double check that your vehicle is locked.
His main focus now is to reduce the level of crime and each crime category in the area.
Mhlongo said a special thanks needs to be given to security companies in the area, such as RAG, Mamba and Tactical Response, that are always on alert and involved in combating crime every day.
“I would like all residents to stay safe and stick to being good citizens” said Mhlongo.
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