Cleveland SAPS gears up for elections

Cleveland SAPS management is gearing up to create a safe and calm environment for everyone in its precinct during the country’s national elections.

Colonel Bongani Dlamini, the Cleveland SAPS station commander, said the SAPS and the community will have to work together.

“We need to work together to create a safe environment. I have taken it upon myself to discuss with all political party representatives in the precinct the way forward to make sure there is no conflict as we near the national elections,” he said at the Cleveland Community Police Forum (CCPF) meeting held recently. He believes a safer environment, be it during election time or on a general day-by-day basis, is possible if the SAPS and the community work in partnership.

“The past year was a busy year. There were several projects between us with the community and the CCPF. The community helped us fight crime. I can say we achieved a lot because of community participation. We had a serious problem with the balaclava gang late last year. Gang members were arrested with the help of the forum and community. They have been linked to a lot of crimes and they are appearing in court,” said Col Dlamini.

He also said it was due to the community’s involvement that criminals linked to truck hijackings were arrested. “We also arrested drug dealers in suburbs such as Malvern. I also thank Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) officers for working with us and their help over the past year. The journey to success is not complete. It will take time and with everyone’s help we can achieve more,” said Col Dlamini.

He urged community members to attend sector and CCPF meetings. “If you have policing concerns, attend these meetings because this is where problems can be discussed and solutions sought. If there are complaints, my doors are open. I am looking forward to building a closer relationship with the community this year,” he said.