AFTER countless poorly attended Empangeni Community Policing Forum (CPF) meetings, the New Year has brought a fresh start and rejuvenated commitment.
Empangeni SAPS Captain Bonginkosi Dludla presented a report on the criminal statistics over the festive season on Wednesday.
‘There has been a great increase in house robberies and rape cases over the recent period,’ said Dludla.
Among the areas riddled with such criminal activities were Kildare, Grantham Park, Richem, Hillview, Fairview and Panorama.
‘These robberies have occurred mainly during the day and additional teams have been deployed to patrol the areas,’ he added.
Cases of rape in the Zidedele and central Empangeni areas have increased too.
‘We need informers. We need the community to be our eyes and ears,’ he said.
After much discussion on the rising crime statistics, a committee was finally elected.
‘It is important that in our areas we have smaller street committees, but the fact that we are getting this larger committee off the ground is a good step. We need to take initiative and stop being complacent,’ said Councillor Irwin Palmer.
‘On behalf of the newly elected Empangeni CPF Executive Committee, we are humbled by the responsibility entrusted to us to lead and serve the community in this very important portfolio which is aimed at ensuring that our community feels safe in their homes,’ said CPF Chairman Zilindile Masango.
‘Together with the community we must not allow criminals to take away our freedom in our own country,’
‘As national elections are approaching, it is imperative that we all work together to make certain they are free and fair by ensuring a safe and conducive environment for everyone, and as a committee, we will work to towards fulfilling that together with SAPS,’ he said.
‘Together we can win the fight against crime,’ said Masango.
