Tug of war over crime prevention

It seems that the three entities, the police and its CPF structure and Witbank 911 group who uses ‘Zello application’ that turns your phone into a walkie-talkie just can’t come to the table and integrate as one body fighting crime in eMalahleni.

On January 13 a meeting was held at the police station with Witbank CPF Executive Committee, SAPS and Witbank 911 members attending. The aim of the meeting was to discuss the functioning and integration of Witbank 911 Reaction Unit.

During the meeting Brig Sifiso Cele, Station Commander of Witbank SAPS, explained his role and responsibilities as the station commander of Witbank police precinct. Any crime prevention structure falls under his supervision and he said he is accountable for it all.
Chairman of Witbank CPF, Mr Aaron Khumalo, was concerned that the Witbank 911 members do not work hand in hand with the already established CPF structures.

From Witbank 911’s side, Mr Bruce Kirton who heads the group, said 7 000 community members joined the ‘Zello’ application.
“Our reaction group consists of 50 members who react to Mayday calls throughout Witbank policing area. Langamed Emergency Management is also on board and responds to all medical emergency calls on the channel,” Kirton explained.
After input from all the role-players it was agreed that Witbank 911 would be integrated into the CPF structures and that their name would change to Witbank CPF Emergency Reaction Group. It was also agreed that they will still respond to any calls on the ‘Zello’ channel in co-operation with established CPF structures.

An Imbizo, creating a platform for interaction between the three entities and the public was identified as the best way to introduce and communicate the new developments in the sectors.
The first Imbizo was set for Saturday, January 17 at 15:00 at Pop ’n Daisy.
In total 371 people attended of which 300 were from the public. The other was made up of the SAPS and CPF Executive Committee and other CPF sectors.

Brig Cele took the first 20 minutes of the meeting, wrangling that it was a closed meeting. However the public refused to leave the Imbizo.
Brig Cele got hot under the collar when a man holding a baby stood up and asked what the police were trying to hide, “I don’t feel safe leaving my own home,” he said and was applauded and cheered as the rest of the community agreed.
At one stage Khumalo put his hand on Brig Cele’s shoulder trying to calm him down as it seemed that he was losing control over the meeting.
Brig Cele said he would not be intimidated and would leave the meeting, which he and the members of the CPF and CPF Executive Committee did.

The public boo’ed him as he left.
“If the police did their job in fighting crime we would not need structures like CPF or Witbank 911. Unfortunately they do not protect us, that is why we support Witbank 911,” a member of the public said.
On Facebook the public commented and shared their views.

Leonet Vermaak wrote, “It’s just sad that SAPS would decline the help of the public to keep our town safe. Witbank 911 has only done good so far. A whole lot more actually than SAPS I would say but then again why would they support something that actually works because that means they’ll have to start working for a chance and it would of course make it harder for those that are corrupt. It’s pathetic to say the least. And in all honesty I don’t see how they can stop people from helping each other. If one of my neighbours or friends was in trouble, I would of course go and assist… what makes this any different?”
“You can tell the premier that we have a 911 Group in Witbank. They can dispose off the police and pay there salaries two the people of 911,” Piet Hanekom wrote.

Michael Wesley Lambert commented “I’m sure if we get a petition going, involve local news, Jacaranda, Carte Blanche ect, we can put this to rest. I’m sure 99% of Witbank myself and my family included, want Witbank 911 to continue their outstanding work! If we get enough signatures on a petition surely they can’t shut them down?

Capt Eddie Hall, police spokesperson said the police welcome any crime prevention initiatives as long as it falls under the codes, conducts and frameworks of the SAPS and the law.