The main objective of a public community engagement at the Boschkop Police Station was to introduce the new station commander, Lieut-Col Gerald Witbooi.
The meeting was held on Thursday, July 7 and incorporated partnership policing, the improvement of public relations, the invention of trust and the solidification of community-based crime prevention systems.
The acting district commissioner for Tshwane, Brig Samuel Thine, introduced Lieut-Col Witbooi.
Brig Thine indicated that he appointed a station commander who resides closer to the policing area, has an outstanding achievement record and brings his vast experience with him.
Brig Thine further said that Witbooi has vast experience in investigations as he previously worked under the Scorpions and has combat experience due to his involvement in the tactical response team.
Brig Thine also noted that the newly appointed Lieut-Col Witbooi received vast experience while working at Pretoria Central Police Station, being one of the largest police stations with many diverse challenges.
“I call on the community, the Community Policing Forum (CPF) leadership and the station management to pledge their support to Lieut-Col Witbooi. The Tshwane District Management is confident that the new station commander is more than ready to take up the task and responsibility of running the Boschkop Police Station,” said Brig Thine.
Brig Thine further addressed the critical shortages of police vehicles at the Boschkop Police Station.
He indicated that vehicles will hopefully be deployed by September and further escalate the return of vehicles currently in the state garage.
Another issue raised by Brig Thine was that of an understaffed Boschkop Police Station.
“There are members in training and hopefully we will be able to employ 12 new members by December.”
After the communities input, Brig Thine said that he is unhappy with the number of cases that are taken to court as most cases are closed without being resolved.
“I will ensure that the percentage of cases going to court versus cases reported will increase.”
Brig Thine also said the public must immediately report bad service at the station while they are at the station, for Lieut-Col Witbooi to address it.
Lieut-Col Witbooi introduced himself to the Imbizo attendants.
“I am not here to separate myself from the community, but to be part of the community. I will serve the community of Boschkop,” he said.
According to Lieut-Col Witbooi, he is a strong and religious person and that passion drives him to strive for perfection.
“The station does not belong to the police, but the community and I ask the community to take hands with me,” said Witbooi.
Lieut-Col Witbooi further acknowledged the challenges at the station but said that he was up to it.
“Police officers will also have to commit to their work or they will be asked to leave. There will be a ‘zero excuse view’ on lack of service.”
Ross Welsh, the chairperson of the CPF, welcomed Lieut-Col Witbooi and thanked Brig Thine for his commitment to resolving issues at the station.
He also thanked the community and staff of the Boschkop Station.
