Photo: Ofentse Ditlopo
The Midrand Community Police Forum along with the Midrand Police Station held a CPF public meeting at the Midrand Police Station on 18 November.
New committee members representing all sectors aside from Sector 5, Midrand police officers, as well as Ward 132 councillor Annette Deppe and the Region A deputy director for the Johannesburg Metro Police Department, Mike Smith were present to discuss issues of crime in Midrand.
One of the issues raised was that of traffic congestion at peak hours, Smith reiterated that efforts are being made by the City and that a tender will soon be advertised for pointsmen to be deployed and placed to assist with the traffic flow. “In the meantime, we had asked that each region submit their critical traffic hotspot so we can deploy JMPD officers to them.”
In terms of informal settlements located in Noordwyk and other parts of the area, Smith said that they have taken pictures and are investigating the matter. “The JMPD will work with the police and Department of Home Affairs to remove land invaders.”
In terms of fighting crime, Brigadier David Tsotsotso, Station Commander for Midrand police, added that they would be getting 18 constables before the end of the year.
He highlighted that theft out of motor vehicles at various malls around the Midrand area is a big issue. “As people come from work and go shopping or to eat, their laptops or other valuables are stolen from their vehicles, therefore, I think we should go out and relay the message to the community to be safe as we are heading towards the festive season and that the trend seems to be going up.”
Tsotsotso also added that they want informers to help the police as they need more information to make arrests. “Whenever you come and inform me, we will pay you for the information you provide us.
“If you give us information regarding firearms, you can get paid from R5 000 upwards, AK47 [information] can range from R10 000 upwards and so forth.”
In an announcement by Councillor Deppe as part of her councillor’s report, “All companies that had put up boards in the last 60-day period illegally will have their boards removed.”
Details: midrandcpfpro@gmail.com
Related Article:
https://www.citizen.co.za/midrand-reporter/228175/cpf-focuses-on-crime-fighting/
