Community committed to stop crime in its tracks
MULDRESDRIFT — Community members form allegiance with SAPS to rid their area of crime
MULDERSDRIFT — Community members, security companies and emergency personnel all gathered at the Riverstone Lodge on 30 October for the Sector 3 Community Policing Forum (CPF) meeting.
Although the turnout was less than expected, community was eager to hash out the spike in criminal activity in Muldersdrift and Honeydew. Station Commander Colonel Kgaogelo Seabi pointed out that community members should work together with police members instead of against them.
“It is crucial that community members get involved in the fight against crime. Start with neighbourhood watches and patrols, and organise community members in that regard. There is a long way to getting what we want during operations. Support from both ends is crucial to making this work,” pointed out Seabi.
Jarcques Treptow, CEO of Drift Reaction security company, brought up the issue of logistics in the police service. A former detective, Trepotow brought to light that there was a logistics department that attended to equipment, including torches, while he was still in service. He said, “On so many occasions, police officers arrive on the scene and they do not even have torches to see their way through. They use their cellphone lights to see in the darkness.”
On that issue, CPF chairperson, Jorncy Page said there was a budget for police vehicles to get fitted with spotlights. “We had spotlights before and they lasted a week before the plugs broke. The issue is that they keep breaking and unfortunately, we work with what we have. We are ensuring that every vehicle is fitted with spotlights,” added Page.
A topic that reared its head numerous times was on the police nyalas that have been situated outside a couple of malls since the increase in mall crimes. Seabi reiterated that the nyalas were not going to be moved or touched. According to the colonel, the nyalas were put there after direct order from the national office. “We are following orders in that regard. The nyalas are not going anywhere unless stipulated otherwise. There are two officers that are put in there and they do not leave.”
The community members are definitely up in arms about the increase in violent crimes, but are greatly passionate about protecting their community and this was evident from the different suggestions that showed an eagerness to co-operate with the police.
Treptow suggested that SAPS members join them during night time operations with their Iron Fist Squad which recently apprehended a wanted suspect in the area.
“We are willing to work with police and would love to. If the issue lies with vehicles, we will offer up a few of our cars to the police. We are out with our men every night and there is almost always some activity, but there is never a police vehicle in sight. If you need cars, we can help with that,” concluded Treptow.
