New SAPS leaders in Bedfordview call for community support to fight crime

The Bedfordview SAPS has introduced a new Vispol commander, Captain Thabo Mokoena and a Sector 3 manager, Constable Molefe Phali.

Mokoena has been with the station since April and says he is ready to take on the challenge.

He was previously stationed in Thembisa.

“The Bedfordview area may seem quiet, but crime is constantly creeping in.

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“So far, I have identified that trio crime is a challenge for the station; crimes such as hijackings and house robberies are some of the problems we’re dealing with,” he said.

“We are a small station with limited members.

We do our best to be visible, but we don’t have the workforce to cover every corner all the time,” he added.

New SSector 3 Manager Phali explained that the sector, which encompasses Klopperpark, Elandsfontein, and Meadowdale, has not had a dedicated sector manager for quite some time.

He has been at the station for three years and was appointed in January to lead the sector.

“As sector manager, my role is to oversee the area, bridge the gap between the community and police, and build stakeholder relationships.

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We now have a dedicated team in Sector 3 and are actively engaging the community,” stated Phali.

Sector 3 is known for violent crimes involving firearms, including hijackings and murder.

“There are a lot of firearms circulating in the area, and that’s concerning,” said Phali.

He said that since taking over, they have had several community safety programmes.

These initiatives include collaboration with the CPF, the introduction of a monthly mobile Community Service Centre (CSC), and the reactivation of the youth desk.

He said though it’s baby steps, they are moving in the right direction.

“We know Sector 3 deals with issues like truck hijackings and diesel syndicates.

Since January, several arrests have been made, including one just recently under Captain Mokoena’s watch,” said Phali.

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Both Mokoena and Phali confirmed that weekly intervention routines are in place, guided by data and comparisons with previous crime stats.

“We’re not just looking at numbers; we’re analysing the reasons behind crime trends,” said Phali. “When there’s a drop, we want to know why.

Was it community cooperation? Was it one of our programs? We take the best practices and expand on them.”
Both officers stress that fighting crime is not the police’s job alone.

“Crime doesn’t announce itself. It can happen to anyone, anywhere. We need residents to report crime, even anonymously. Looking the other way makes you an accessory.

“You know the people who are selling drugs in your neighbourhood. Speak up,” said Mokoena.

Phali echoed the call for community involvement, especially in addressing the informal settlements in Sector 3, which pose challenges due to overpopulation and limited infrastructure.

“I want to see change in this sector. I take every tip seriously, and I will always protect those who provide information. Confidentiality is key.”

As part of their outreach, they stated that they would also be walking the streets to foster stronger ties with residents and restore trust in law enforcement.

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“Ultimately, the goal is to create a crime-free zone, not just for Bedfordview, but for South Africa.

“A place where everyone feels safe, even children walking to school,” said Mokoena.

Residents are encouraged to engage with their sector policing teams and attend CPF meetings to help shape a safer environment.

For enquiries, Mokoena can be reached on 082 461 3629 or Phali on 073 244 6027.