Police address crime with Kaalfontein residents
Residents also asked the police for advice on the laws surrounding certain businesses they would like to start up in the community.
The CPF and officers from the EMPD and SAPS district office visited Kaalfontein informal settlement on June 1 to host a street imbizo as part of operation O Kae Molao.
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The event was initiated by the District Social Crime Prevention Unit and was intended to raise awareness around GBV and also to create a platform for community members to share their challenges, concerns and how police can assist them.
“We wanted to talk to our communities about things that are bothering us as police and also give them an opportunity to express and share with police the different challenges that they face,” said deputy commissioner of the Ekurhuleni district, Brigadier Lebohang Machakela.
He added that some of the concerns of residents were that officers showed up late to crime scenes.
Machakela told the Express he hoped the engagement would educate the community about things they can do if they are a victim of crime.
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He added that the event was also an opportunity for local police officers to introduce themselves to the community members of Kaalfontain.
“As police, we want to cooperate with our communities. Residents must work with us and we want the community leaders to know who they are speaking with when they call the station,” said Machakela.
During the visit, Kaalfontain residents shared several concerns with officers. These included cases of gender-based violence and officers working with criminals.
Residents also asked the police for advice on the laws surrounding certain businesses they would like to start up in the community.
“I had the opportunity to get to know the police officer who is responsible for our sector and meet members of the Kempton Park SAPS. I now know how to contact the police,” said resident Mojalefa Thindisa.
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Machakela urged community members to work with the SAPS and discouraged community members from taking the law into their own hands.
In addition, he advised and encouraged community members to be actively involved in community-related matters which include neighbourhood watch patrols as this will help minimise criminal behaviour.
Community members were advised to contact the police and open cases.
“To protect the identity of those reporting cases, we don’t give out details to anybody, including the people who are arrested,” said Machekela.
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