POLOKWANE – The new Polokwane police station commander, Brig Mafete Lucas Mogwaneng, has urged residents to be aware of their surroundings and keep a watchful eye when traveling in vehicles or on foot.
Speaking to the media recently, Mogwaneng said there had been several reports of late, where people have become the target of criminals and have been mugged in the city.
He asked that residents start to trust the police and come forward with information on the suspected robbers who prowl the streets.
In the latest effort by police, car washers and car guards in the city were given new reflector jackets to wear while performing their duties. These jackets will serve as a warning to criminals that there are people working with the police and Community Policing Forums to bring crime to it’s knees.
We need the police and the community to take hands in this fight and to make sure there are no free zones for criminals in the streets where the community lives and does business.
He gave some tips for residents to follow:
• Avoid danger spots like quiet or badly-lit alleyways, subways or isolated car parks. Walk in the middle of the pavement if the street is deserted.
• Consider heading for a public place; somewhere you know there will be other people, for example a garage or shop.
• Try to keep both hands free and don’t walk with your hands in your pockets or with your hands full of bags as this makes you an easy target.
• Be on the lookout and report any and all suspicious people and actions in your area.
“No one can talk about success while residents are still being targeted by criminals. The police need to work harder and get to the point where criminals rather leave the city than try to victimise people who are hard working.
“They need to know that where the people are the police have eyes and ears and that when they need action, we are there for them,” Mogwaneng concluded.
riana@nmgroup.co.za
