Anti-crime campaign sweeps through Wattville
A crime awareness campaign was launched in Wattville and Actonville on Saturday.
Members of the Actonville SAPS, the Actonville CPF, iThemba Rape and Trauma Centre, the Youth Crime Prevention Desk, officials from the Gauteng Department of Community Safety, the South African Communist Party (SACP) and Be Blessed Church took part in the campaign.
The goal was to build up communications with the community and to create structures for residents to approach and help the police and vice versa.
“We want to bring down crime in these areas,” said Rose Maja, public relations officer for iThemba Rape and Trauma Centre.
“People have been complaining about hijackings and theft, and we want to eliminate this in Wattville.”
The group drove from Sesedi Park, through areas such as Emandleni informal settlement, Harry Gwala informal settlement, Actonville Hostel and back to Sesedi Park, all in an effort to inform the residents about crime and how to handle it.
During the stops, various speakers addressed the people, including Capt Ntombikayise Modise of Actonville police station, leaders of the church and leaders in the community.
The Gauteng Department of Community Safety and the SAPS also handed out pamphlets and booklets warning against alcohol and drug abuse and explaining sexual offences.
“Hotspots such as Actonville Hostel still remain problematic with crimes such as murders, prostitution, possession of illegal firearms and illegal taverns,” said Thapelo Moiloa, media spokesperson of the Gauteng Department of Community Safety.
The group hopes to engage in such campaigns several times a year, as it is not a once-off solution, but something which must be constantly repeated in order to cement relations and public awareness.
