Brakpan SAPS station commander Brig Fredl Jonck’s vision for local police to build a solid relationship with the community is within sight.
A stakeholders meeting hosted by Brakpan police last Wednesday morning was attended by around 90 people from different companies, civic organisations, residents and different roleplayers within the community.
It was described by Jonck as the best community/SAPS meeting held since 2017 when he’s been at the helm.
Representatives included those from a local mining company, different logistic and security companies, second-hand goods dealers, the Department of Correctional Services, the Department of Home Affairs, the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa, the National Prosecuting Authority, municipal councillors, the CPF and other community patrollers.
“The attendance is overwhelming. As the station commander, I believe the people sitting here can help make Brakpan a better place,” he said.
The meeting, which was aimed at addressing crime issues in Brakpan, was held in the Rio Rooms at Carnival City.
Jonck stated house robberies, business robberies and hijackings remained a primary concern.
While not taking away from the seriousness of these crimes, Jonck also explained that perjury or lying to police was common, especially in hijacking cases, and members of the public were warned not to report false cases.
He said that tampering and damaging essential infrastructure and the theft of cables is a top priority for police.
Without pointing fingers at the second-hand goods dealers present in the room, Jonck reiterated that scrap metal dealers must refrain from buying illegally acquired goods.
“Batteries from cellphone towers and cables are stolen. The stolen goods end up at second-hand dealers, scrap yards or recyclers. It must stop now,” he said.
“It is a very serious problem that destabilises our country when it comes to communication and transport.”
Jonck said that a task team would soon be set up in Ekurhuleni to tackle infrastructure damage and theft. He added that Brakpan SAPS have secured several successful convictions in the past with perpetrators receiving lengthy prison sentences.
Jonck commented that abandoned and vandalised buildings in town would also be receiving police attention. Another issue of concern in Brakpan is illegal mining, a problem Jonck said was being closely monitored.
“Main Reef Road and Plastic City are a serious problem.”
He said illegal miners are often alerted about law enforcement operations before they take place. Jonck gave his assurance that this would not stop further operations.
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Other illegal mining hot spots in Brakpan include Dalpark Extension One and along Livingstone Avenue (once home to Brakpan Primary School) in Brakpan Central.
After the school relocated to Stoffberg Avenue, the buildings, fencing and other infrastructure were demolished and stolen. Jonck said the land on which these hot spots are situated is either owned privately or by the government or mines.
“It is of great importance that the owners be located for us to take action.”
Jonck questioned why Brakpan had not seen a decrease in crime when there are community patrollers or neighbourhood watch groups, along with numerous security companies, operating.
“We need to all work together. There must be structured patrols and visibility,” he said, adding that the Brakpan policing area is 210km2 and police cannot be everywhere all the time.
“The community must be the eyes and ears of the police and work with us.”
Such partnerships do have an impact on crime. Recently no serious crimes were reported during a high-density operation conducted on April 30 by police, members of the EMPD, CPF patrollers and officers from Secure Tech Security.
The operation led to the arrest of 16 offenders, including a man found in possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
The operation also saw suspected drug dens and illegal shebeens raided and patrols took place at several crime hot spot areas.
Other arrests were made for drunk driving, dealing in drugs, possession of drugs, dealing in liquor without a licence and illegal immigrants.
Three sheebeens were closed and numerous admission of guilt fines and traffic fines were issued.
“For those willing to assist the police in such operations, monthly meetings will be held where planning and preparations will be made.”
Residents were requested to not be complacent about crime and to report suspicious activities.
“If your dog is barking, get up to see what’s going on,” appealed Jonck.
The station commander also provided some important information regarding crime scene management. These were guidelines for patrollers and community members who arrive at a crime scene before the police.
“Don’t enter the scene of a crime. Don’t interfere and don’t talk to witnesses. Make sure no one enters. Leave everything as is. This is important so the scene has not been tampered with. We lose cases in court because of this.”
Jonck spoke about bribery and appealed to anyone caught on the wrong side of the law to not offer money to the police.
“I can only be corrupt if you corrupt me,” he said, adding that people are quick to label police as corrupt but will brag among their friends around a braai about handing over R50 after being caught driving over the limit.
Business owners were encouraged to ensure their security providers are more vigilant. Jonck warned about the complicity of some security employees in crimes such as robberies.
Jonck ended the meeting by sharing information about the Growing Gauteng Together five-year policing plan, which includes the proliferation of firearms, reducing priority crimes, improving crime detection, anti-corruption, E-policing and improving service delivery.
Attendees were then requested to complete a survey to assist the local SAPS to improve its services. The next meeting is scheduled for June 22 at a venue to be confirmed closer to the time.
