Town decay fuels crime
Jonck stated that the town's current condition correlates with crime and he highlighted the importance of the community working together to resolve this.
Different civic organisations and companies operating within Brakpan unanimously agreed the town is in need of cleaning up and the community must get involved in order for this to happen.
This was discussed at a meeting called by Brakpan SAPS station commander Brig Fredl Jonck, which took place at the police station last Wednesday morning.
Brakpan SAPS, EMPD management, local Ekurhuleni councillors, representatives from the Ekurhuleni waste and parks departments, security companies, the Brakpan Radio Group, Afriforum, the town committee, transport companies and the local CPF came together to discuss the scourge of trio crimes (hijackings, house robberies and business robberies) and the overall state of the town – with the CBD, in particular, on the verge of decay.
Jonck stated that the town’s current condition correlates with crime.
Reference was made to the ‘broken window theory’, which is that visible signs of crime and disorder, such as vandalised buildings and broken windows, create an environment that further encourages criminal activity.
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Those in attendance agreed to offer their support wherever necessary and committed themselves to fixing the issues facing the town.
It was decided that the focal point will be the CBD, with attention specifically paid to Voortrekker Road and Prince George Avenue.
A clean-up operation and an awareness campaign are planned. The station commander was commended for intervening and calling the meeting.
“The DA in Ekurhuleni welcomes the initiative taken by the Brakpan SAPS brigadier to get all stakeholders within the community around one table in a conjoined effort to try and better the environment in and around our town,” said Ward 97 councillor Brandon Pretorius.
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“I believe the buy-in from our local authorities with all stakeholders present at the meeting was a fruitful exercise and had a positive outcome.
“The meeting had one commonality and that was the state of our CBD with a focus on our two main roads, looking at more specifically doing an awareness campaign focusing on businesses within the CBD and educating them about proper waste management.
“I look forward to the first operation and thank all parties present at the meeting for their commitment to working together. I only see good things coming and invite the larger community to join all of us in our endeavour to make Brakpan great once again.”
A follow-up meeting will take place on March 2 at the police station. Details will be made available closer to the time. Anyone willing to bring change to the town is invited to join.
