Kew Action Group empowers JMPD with new vans
The Kew Action Group handed over two sponsored JMPD trucks in mint condition to the policing department.
To ensure the Kew community’s safety, the Kew Action Group (KAG) handed over a donation of two new JMPD vehicles to the metro police department.
The handover event, held at Eagle Corner in Bramley on May 21, marked the beginning of what acting JMPD Chief of Police Sam Sethagu praised as an important step for police and community relations. “By establishing a working relationship, and deep engagement between the police and the community, communities then share responsibilities such as street patrol, guarding of properties and companies within the area with the police.”
Sethagu said that working with community-based partners would also increase the capacity for problem-solving, providing access to alternative solutions.
JMPD auxiliary services director Ingrid Mahlangu expressed the police department’s gratitude to KAG for taking the initiative. “This relationship started back in 2018 when KAG saw a potential loophole for crime within their area,” said Mahlangu. “They drew up a proposal and offered to issue two vehicles to JMPD in support of us preventing crime. It is a testament that KAG commits to the safety and well-being of our community as a whole City of Johannesburg.”
The KAG area is located near the industrial hub of the Wynberg business district, and easy-access routes to the heart of Sandton.
The group’s director, Ruggero Grech-Cumbo, said the need to assist had been realised in the wake of an influx of people from outside Gauteng.
“Because we’re on the border of the Alexandra township – and there’s been a huge number of properties being invaded – it’s become necessary to enforce the law,” Grech-Cumbo said. “We hope that having these vehicles is going to enhance the area tremendously. JMPD is hard-pressed in supplying sufficient manpower in vehicles to be able to contain the encroachment, and the by-law issues that are happening.”
Grech-Cumbo explained the nature of the understanding entered into between KAG and the city. “Our MoU is for five years,” said Grech-Cumbo. “What happens is that we have a lease on the vehicles, and we renew the lease every two years.”
Grech-Cumbo, in conclusion, said, “We anticipate this is going to be long-term, and that having these vehicles is going to enhance the area tremendously,” said Grech-Cumbo. “We’ll just carry on, and look at renewing the memorandum of understanding so that we can have a continuity of improvement in the area.”
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