Bronkhorstspruit’s CBD Crime Watch, Community Policing Forum (CPF) and the police invited businesses and residents frustrated by crime in Bronkhorstspruit to join a meeting in the Bronkhorstspruit Council Chambers on September 9.
Agosi Mdzipa from Bronkhorstspruit CBD Crime Watch said the theme of the meeting was: ‘Together against crime, we can prevail’.
November Mbonani, the chairperson of the CPF, and Mdzipa began the meeting with a prayer. Mdzipa welcomed all attendees and provided a brief overview of the topics on the agenda.
Colonel Maqhawe Dhladhla, station commander of SAPS Bronkhorstspruit, thanked the taxi owners who attended the meeting to discuss important concerns.
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He emphasised that while apprehending a criminal is crucial; it is essential to avoid any form of assault, as this too constitutes a crime.
Dhladhla reminded attendees that anyone who were assaulted has the right to file a case, and the SAPS will take appropriate action against the perpetrators.
Additional issues raised included the increasing problem with nayope addicts, transportation workers facing harassment and their belongings stolen, escalating crime on farms and residents’ reluctance to report incidents, often because they are asked to identify suspects.
JVR Security Services noted their focus is assisting clients, however, their district limits their ability to be everywhere needed.
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The community expressed their concerns about a scrap yard behind the taxi rank in town, a hotspot for criminal activity that needs to be addressed.
Dhladhla said a police station intervention plan is in place, which is implemented and evaluated regularly.
“A Rural Safety Plan is operational in collaboration with the CPF. Efforts are made regarding essential infrastructure in partnership with various security companies and organisations,” said Dhladhla.
He said there is a permanent deployment of police vehicles patrolling the N4 from Balmoral to Donkerhoek to address hotspot areas for spiking.
“By joining hands to confront crime, we can make a difference,” Dhladhla concluded.
