Jeppe SAPS recently conducted a crime awareness campaign in an effort to deter crime in Troyeville.
The campaign on November 8 mainly focused on domestic violence, which the station said has been rife in the area in recent times.
This included assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and common assault.
Members of the Jeppe SAPS Youth Desk were joined by three uniformed officers on the day to engage with members of the public.
Other crimes the campaign aimed to bring into the spotlight comprised of drug and alcohol abuse.
Also read: Crime awareness campaign held at Rhodes Park
Speaking on the public’s response to the campaign, Capt Richard Munyai, spokesperson at the police station, said it was overwhelming.
“We are talking to the people and providing information to them. Some of them are even talking to us about their concerns,” said Munyai.
“We’re also getting information from them around those who are dealing in drugs in the area, as well as those who are operating taverns beyond the stipulated times. We are also getting information regarding any suspicions they might have of criminal activity in this area.”
Also read: CCPF to host pre- festive season crime awareness campaign
Munyai said the police would act on any tips received.
He added that convictions around domestic violence cases at the station were high.
“We do get lots of convictions compared to other cases,” he said.
“If a case of assault is opened at the station, we first go to where the suspect is and arrest them.
“If we delay an arrest, the suspect might run from the police. However, after an arrest is made, the suspect is placed in the holding cells at the station while a case against them is opened.”
Commenting on the frequency of such awareness campaigns, Munyai told the EXPRESS the station attempts to hold them at least twice or three times weekly but said it depends on the nature and the number of cases that are received.
Youth Desk member Lerato Masilo said she believes it is important to get the community involved in awareness campaigns, to increase the impact the police hopes it will have on the wider community.
Also read: Crime awareness campaign to be held
“We cannot fight against crime alone. We need the community to come in and help us in this movement,” she said.
“As far as I can see, there will be less crime in the future, especially if we come with the necessary force.”
