As 2019 winds down to an end Edenvale SAPS has described the year as being relatively good.
Edenvale SAPS spokesperson Sgt Jacob Mashile said the cooperation between the community and the police resulted in several arrests and successes.
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Some of the successes identified by Mashile included the arrest of suspects at shooting incidents at Edenvale and Dowerglen high schools, the arrest of a suspect in Dowerglen for the possession of explosives and most recently the foiling of a business robbery and arrest of three suspects on Terrace Road.
“Without the assistance from community stakeholders we would not have achieved the same results,” said Mashile.
Besides the partnership between the community and the SAPS, Mashile identified station commander Col Sudesh Sookraj as a positive influence on the officers.
“Sookraj has been one of the longest-serving station commanders in the Edenvale precinct in recent years.”
“His leadership has helped the station and boosted the morale of the officers.”
Another highlight mentioned by Mashile was the arrival of several new police constable on December 17, which bolstered the strength of the Edenvale station.
The constables will be divided among the various departments in the station.
Although Mashile described 2019 as relatively good, a low point for the station was identified with the release of the national crime statistics.
The statistics showed that Edenvale had a 60 per cent increase in sexual offences reported to the station when compared to the statistics of the previous year.
Nine rapes, nine sexual assault, one attempted sexual offence and five contact sexual offence cases were reported at Edenvale during the 2018/19 year.
“These have been the worst statistics I have seen since I started working at Edenvale SAPS,” said Mashile.
“The station is looking into the matter and hopes to reduce the number of sexual offences in Edenvale.”
Although the station is still engaging stakeholders and formulating strategies, one of the ideas raised includes hosting more awareness events about sexual offences and gender-based violence.
Mashile said Edenvale Police Station’s management and staff wish the community a happy and safe holiday season.
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