Police hold final monthly stakeholder meeting for the year

The Brakpan SAPS monthly stakeholders’ meeting took place in the Rio Rooms at Carnival City on November 16. This was the final meeting of the year.

Station commander Brigadier Fredl Jonck ran the proceedings. Various stakeholders were called to talk about respective topics.

Jonck opened the meeting with a crime overview of problematic days, areas and time frames of most frequent crimes.

House robberies, motor vehicle theft and robberies with firearms increased from last October, but overall most crime decreased from the last quarter.

Other concerns included truck hijackings which are prevalent in the Dalpark, Leachville, Maryvlei and Withok Estates areas.

Additional crime hotspot areas in Brakpan include:
• House robberies: Dalpark, Leachville, Minnebron, Withok Estates and Witpoort.

• Street robberies: Brakpan CBD, Dalview, Leachville, Maryvlei, Minnebron, Vulcania and Withok Estates

• Burglaries: Brakpan CBD, Brenthurst, Dalpark, Dalview, Sherwood Gardens, Sonneveld and Sunair Park.

Regarding street robberies, Jonck explained most of the perpetrators use replica guns.

“Such toy guns or gas pistols are a problem because anybody can buy them,” he said.

Jonck asked attendees if they had any questions and the mood of the meeting shifted with several raising complaints about the police and the EMPD.

There were accusations that the police and EMPD don’t respond to scenes and that no assistance is given unless matters are reported to councillors or superior officers.

There were also complaints that the police and EMPD are quick to pass the buck regarding policing roles and jurisdictions.

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Lack of resources and miscommunication were identified as reasons for the slip in service. SAPS and the EMPD pledged to do better and to improve the relationship with the community.

After a lengthy engagement, the meeting got back on track and feedback was given on illegal mining and tampering with infrastructure.

Another topic under discussion was the installation of surveillance cameras along the R23. It was reported that the process is ongoing and it is hoped the cameras will be installed soon.

Input was then received from various stakeholders, among which were the NPA, which reported a 100% conviction rate in the Brakpan courts for the last month.

Rata Social Services informed meeting-goers that they will hold a march for the 16 Days of Activism campaign on December 1, from their premises at 38 Park Street to the Brakpan sports grounds.

Next up were the EMPD who urged the public to use the dumping sites open for the public on Rietfontein Road in Springs, Muriel Brand Street in Brenthurst and West Road in Minnebron.

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The Brakpan SPCA pleaded with the public to not use them as a proxy for SAPS or EMPD matters, as they don’t have the authorisation to enforce by-laws.

This includes reporting cases of dog poisoning and dog fighting, which should be reported to the SAPS. They also ask that people do not set off fireworks this festive season as it is harmful to animals.

They reminded the public that a permit is required to own livestock and that livestock should not be left unattended while on holiday as livestock theft increases during the festive season. The rural safety division reiterated this during their statement.

Security firms reported they are facing increased danger with hikes in break-ins during the festive season, with one case having up to eight perpetrators in the home. They asked for understanding and support.

SAPS noted there is a new trend where railway sleepers are being stolen and scrap metal dealers were warned not to accept these.

The SAPS is also deploying officers, security firm members and volunteers to patrol Mall@Carnival to create a visible presence in order to ward off crime. Residents were reminded that the toll-free drug addiction support line is 080 022 8827.

It was also reiterated that fireworks are not permitted in the City of Ekurhuleni and a permit must be obtained from the EMPD.