Modderfontein Sector Four Community Policing Forum and residents convened at the Thornhill Estate for the forum’s first meeting of the year, on February 4.
Residents and stakeholders from various estates and residential areas were in attendance.
The meeting was lec by Franco Mariotti, chairperson of the Sector Four CPF with the help of three other CPF leaders.
Residents were joined by Andrew Mosesi, Sebenza CPF chairperson and Ekurhuleni North Cluster Community Policing Board chairperson, Clr Bongani Nkomo, Sebenza SAPS Const Sam Mashalane, Const Jomanda Tlaka and JMPD’s Sgt Brian Tenza.
The meeting was based on the crime trends of the past December and January.
Mariotti opened the floor and asked estate representatives and residents to report any crimes they experienced during December and January.
A resident complained about racing on Centenary Road near Westlake, which was noted by JMPD and CPF.
A Night Guard Security representative reported two cases.
In the first case, a suspicious-looking vehicle was followed, they tried to stop it and failed.
“The suspect was too fast for us,” said the security officer.
In the second case, suspects tried to access a Vodacom Tower, but failed because a reaction vehicle arrived on the scene before they could get to the towers.
Lakeside residents noted noise from Flamingo Shopping Centre as a cause for concern.
A Heritage resident also reported no incidences, but cautioned the community to be vigilant on Peace Road.
A Fish Eagle Estate representative reported one break-in, in December.
“A laptop and TV was stolen.
“There are plans to upgrade the security and get a vehicle to patrol,” said the representative.
Mariotti reported incidences noted by the CPF.
A Subaru, stolen at a mall, and an Audi S3, both involved in crimes in the area, were spotted on separate occasions.
Both vehicles were too fast for the CPF to have a closer look.
In another case, a vehicle allegedly involved in a hijacking in Meadowbrook, Bedfordview, was found in a complex.
“Modderfontein is not far from Edenvale or Bedfordview, so we do help Edenvale CPF, our licence plate recognition cameras are doing their bit.
“We would like to get more cameras, so any donations and assistance would be appreciated,” said Mariotti.
A stabbing on Loerie Street, on the boundary of P91, was also discussed.
“No reaction vehicle came to fetch the stabbed guy, neither were Edenvale or Sebenza SAPS interested with helping,” said Mariotti.
The injured man was taken to Edenvale Hospital with a civilian vehicle.
Mariotti said he was totally against civilians getting involved in such cases as it poses a danger to innocents.
He said feedback from SAPS is still pending.
The chairperson said their reaction vehicle is doing well.
“Thornhill, Lakeside and the shopping centre are benefiting from it.
“We urge CPF and SAPS to support the security official more.”
Tenza updated the group on operations by JMPD in December and January.
Tenza said metro officers did operations to reprove moving violations in the area.
“New reserves were deployed and they have been conducting stop-and-searches in order or make the area more secure.”
Dumping was another concern discussed.
Residents were encouraged to get the accused vehicles’ registrations and report incidents.
Nkomo reported that 1 500 JMPD officers were appointed for Region E.
“Two officers will help with the early morning shift for traffic control.”
Four JMPD officers will be placed in Greenstone, Longmeadow, Stoneridge, Modderfontein, Linbro Park and Klipfontein.
The councillor said he is working on Longmeadow lights not working, which and is a security risk.
Mosesi reported that the arrival of the new Gauteng Police commissioner, Lt Gen Elias Mawela, has brought more arrests.
“Suspects of the police uniform-wearing syndicate were apprehended.
“The visible policing unit in the area will need more manpower seeing that there are five new officers and seven new cars the SAPS has brought in for patrolling and the control of traffic violations.”
Mosesi urged residents to use the 10111 number as their first point of call.
“This triggers a national red light and police’s reaction time is observed from there.
“Instead of first reporting on WhatsApp, first call 10111.”
A resident then asked if they are allowed to not stop when an officer stops them because they feel unsafe and whether they are allowed to record any incidences.
Mosesi said civilians can signal by waving to the officer so they can follow them to the nearest safe place or a police station.
Mariotti also enquired about upcoming events happening in the area.
“Events need to be monitored more by SAPS and CPF.”
A Modderfontein Reserve representative mentioned the new Fourways Farmers Market that is said to commence in March.
“Event organisers in the area were urged to inform the CPF and SAPS of upcoming events,” said Mariotti.
Maintenance of grounds in the area was discussed.
Different individuals in the CPF confirmed to have tried to contact the Umbrella Body and M&T property owner.
They said the Body and M&T have been unresponsive to their enquiries and efforts.
They agreed to arrange a meeting with the property owners who bought most of the land in Modderfontein from previous developer Zendai.
In the closing remarks, Mariotti said he looked forward to the CPF getting more support from companies in the area as they will all benefit.
“I hope SAPS and JMPD will do more to make the community safer.”
Nkomo said they are still a long way to go with getting more community involvement.
“A good example from today is having one Westlake resident attending the meeting, yet it is 1 500-unit estate.”
The councillor said collaboration between CPF and private companies is needed for things like shopping safety.
“I am disappointed that the shopping centre was not represented at the meeting.
“But I’m glad the people who were here last year are still with us this year and we are picking up from where we left off.”
Nkomo said a security trailer was acquired and stakeholders need to sit down and strategise on who will man it.
“We also need City Power to attend these meetings because lighting plays a huge role in safety. If we have cameras but no light it will be hard to catch criminals.
“Overall, I think the meeting was productive because SAPS and JMPD were present.”
City Power was sent a request for comment and asked to reply before February 7 at 11.3 am to accommodate print deadlines.
No comment was received by the time of print.
Five tips from Sebenza CPF chairperson Andrew Mosesi on your safety at a stop-and-search.
1 If an officer is wearing an EPMD-branded hat, but they are stopping you in Brits, you should not stop.
2 If a supposed officer is wearing half uniform or civilian clothing, do not stop.
3 Look for a name tag and ask for their name.
4 Civilians have a right to record an encounter.
5 Call 10111 first then report crime on WhatsApp groups.
