New crime-fighting squad hits Edenvale streets
The Edenvale Tekkie Squad, launched on May 27, is a proactive SAPS initiative targeting crime hotspots. The team combines SAPS officers and Gauteng Crime Prevention Wardens to crack down on hijackings and other serious offenses.
Edenvale SAPS has launched a first of its kind for the police station with the launch of a dedicated crime-fighting squad.
The brainchild of Vispol commander Lieutenant Colonel Shadrack Magcuntsu the Tekkie Squad was launched on May 27.
Comprised of SAPS members and Gauteng Crime Prevention Wardens the squad will focus on crimes of concern such as hijackings, residential and business robberies, theft of motor vehicles as well as theft out of motor vehicles.
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Magcuntsu said since his appointment as Edenvale’s Vispol commander in February he has been assessing crimes of concern in the community and formulating strategies on how to address them.
He said the establishment of this squad was one of the was he hope to achieve this.
“During my time at the station, an assessment was made, and a decission was taken to launch the first dedicated sqaud.
“It will be a flexible team, which will work together with stakeholders in the community,” said Magcuntsu.
The team will work with all community stakeholders including EMPD, Edenvale CPF and local security companies.
Magcuntsu said the team members were all hand selected based on their own unique skill sets and strengths.
“Some of the Squad members were Vispol members while others worked in the client service centre, together they make a formidable team.”
Although the squad will operate throughout Edenvale Magcuntsu said some of the priority areas it will operate include the R24, Barbara Road, Modderfontein Road while saturating the Avenues.
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Magcuntsu said with the establishment of the squad he hopes to see a reduction of hijackings, residential and business robberies, theft of motor vehicles as well as theft out of motor vehicles.
“In three months times we will make another assessment and make any necessary adjustments.
An excited ECPF chairperson Sheryl Damerell said she was extremly proud of the squad and the colonel.
“This will make a difference,” she highlighted.
“Its an inititiative which will put Edenvale on the map.
“By establishing the squad there will be more members, more cars and more SAPS visibility on the roads,” she said.
