Jeppe SAPS Sector Four Crime Forum held their first official meeting for 2019 on February 21.
The meeting was attended by the Rapid Police Park Station Railway, Jeppe SAPS station commander Brigadier Wiseman Mthembu, Prasa/Metrorail, Benrose Improvement District, priests, izinduna from different hostels, security companies, business people and residents.
Sector 4 chairperson Madoda Yende said he was pleased with the turnout at the meeting.
“For the first meeting of the year, it was well attended. It is important for us to work together to address the issues in our community. Together we can find solutions and fight crime,” said Yende.
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Issues that were discussed were:
• The escalating crime at train stations including Ellis Park, Jeppe , George Goch, Denver, Tooronga and Kaserne West. It was reported that train commuters were robbed inside the trains.
• Random shootings in residential areas.
• Street lights that are not working along Barney, Ruven, New Goch, Main Reef Road and John Page Drive.
• The increase in crime rates including murder, attempted murder, assault and rape.
• Stealing of manhole covers.
“Police visibility has increased in the area but they still need to do more. Education and awareness projects will soon start and we plan to increase street patrollers because they play a major role in the community,” said Yende.
On train station safety, he said the relevant stakeholders need to take responsibility in ensuring that train users were safe.
“We have requested the City and Prasa to install CCTV at the train stations and to beef up security personnel.
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“Hotspot areas have been identified and we advise people to be vigilant. People need to be a careful when approaching train stations at Jeppe, George Goch and Kaserne West.
“If we join hands we can eradicate crime in the area. We need to work together because crime affects everyone,” said Yende.
The next meeting will be held on March 28 at 35 New Goch Road in Benrose.
For more information, contact Yende on 072 754 5388 or 078 3014 163. E-mail address yendem.sapno@gmail.com
