New top cop intends turning the tide in the war against drugs in Boksburg North
The newly appointed head of Boksburg North’s Visible Policing Unit (Vispol), Lieut-Col Sipho Mathebula intends to reclaim the streets of the city from criminals.
He will especially target the drug dealers, as foreign nationals are said to be carrying out their illegal drug trade in the area with apparent impunity.
“There is still lot to do, but our primary aim is to clean the streets and mobilise law-abiding citizens to take a visible stance against crime,” said Mathebula.
“We can’t allow the majority of our law-abiding residents to be held to ransom by a few unscrupulous people.
“Apparently drug dealers do as they please, while car thieves steal at will, despite the presence of guards in many shopping centres and parking bays.”
The no-nonsense commander told the Advertiser that he was still trying to equip himself with enough insight concerning the area and its residents in order to provide an effective service.
He eagerly encouraged members of the community to work closely with the police station in order to maintain order and harmony.
“I’m conducting full research of the problems plaguing Boksburg North,” he said.
“I’m confident that, with a strong partnership with the residents, community forums, churches and other stakeholders, we shall rid Boksburg North of all unsavoury elements and make this area one of the safest places to reside in.”
Mathebula said he had already identified some of the problematic areas and promised that he and his team would reclaim the streets from criminals through constant raids and stop-and-search and intelligence-driven crime operations.
Mathebula previously served as a police officer with the Boksburg SAPS and Alberton SAPS before being transferred to the Reiger Park SAPS in 2009.
He was later appointed as the acting commander of the Reiger Park Police Station, before he reported for duty in Boksburg North as the new Vispol head earlier this month.
Mathebula took over from Lieut-Col Albert Chauke, who has been deployed to the Germiston SAPS to head up the crime prevention unit.
The 55-year-old Mathebula was born in Piet Retief and matriculated from Lindile High in Ermelo, Mpumalanga, before he joined the SAPS more than three decades ago.
“As a leader, I also have to make sure that my officers and staff are hard working, conscientious, dedicated and honest officers with the best intentions in mind while serving the community,” he said.
For years, residents of Boksburg North have perpetually accused police officers at the Boksburg North Police Station of working with drug dealers.
In response, Mathebula encouraged members of the public to report any such suspicious or unlawful behaviour.
“The public should not be afraid to report crime, regardless of whether the perpetrator is a police officer or not,” he said.
“Officers are supposed to lead by example and do the right thing all the time.”
The National Anti-Corruption hotline numbers are 086 026 7787 and 086 0267 788.
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