The police’s sector managers have called on communities to come together to fight crime.
Sophiatown Police Station’s sector managers reminded the public of their role, responsibilities and abilities. Three of the station’s four sectors are represented in the Northcliff Melville Times distribution area. According to Captain November Masina, Sector 1 manager, they are entrusted with making sure all the communities in their sectors are safe and police officers within them are active. He added that, as sector managers, they keep in contact with various role payers in their areas to identify problem areas and trends as well as potential solutions. They are also responsible for carrying out special projects and campaigns aimed at addressing crime in the areas they serve. Sector 2 manager Warrant Officer Koos Steyn added that this is the information that enables the police to tailor their weekly operations to the needs of the community.
Along with the other sector managers, Steyn has encouraged the community to save their contact details and call them whenever they need assistance. He said, “We are trying to help the community so please contact us if there are any issues or suspicious activity taking place. When it comes to active crime scenes and outstanding issues Captain TJ de Bruyn explicitly stated that sector managers are not to be called as the first point of contact. He said, “People will still be expected to follow the practice of calling 10111 for any crime-related emergency and contact and visit the station to resolve issues they are facing. The managers should only be called as a last resort or if there is a lack of response from the police on a matter you reported.”
Additionally, sector managers are only available Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm. The sector managers are also calling on those interested in becoming patrollers for their neighbourhoods to contact them. Captain De Bruyn reminded the public that all people over the age of 18 and without criminal records would be allowed to apply. “This is a voluntary position and we will therefore not be offering any stipends or remuneration.” He concluded that all those looking to volunteer can only do so in the area they live in. Those interested can contact the sector manager for their region for further details.
Contact details for Sophiatown Police Station sector managers:
- Sector 1 (suburbs include Westdene, Westbury and Coronationville): 071 675 6193
- Sector 3 (suburbs include Montgomery Park, Roosevelt Park, Waterval Estate, East Town and Northcliff): 071 675 6184
- Sector 4 (suburbs include Sophiatown, Martindale, Albertville, Albertskroon, Greymont, Alberts Farm and Newlands): 071 675 6191.
