Brakpan SAPS continues to highlight its multifaceted role in community engagement to combat crime and improve public safety.

Addressing root causes, strengthening service delivery, building safer communities, supporting residents and directly impacting crime prevention drive police engagement with the public.

Social crime prevention and communications officer Constable Audrey Buthelezi and Youth Crime Prevention Desk (YCPD) members attended a beauty pageant on September 12 at a local church, where 93 contestants between the ages of five and 21 participated.

A second community engagement took place at Tholakele Centre of Hope in Withok, where House of Prayer Ministries, a church in the Brakpan CBD, donated clothes, cleaning materials and other household supplies to the centre.

At Tholakele, SAPS was joined by EMPD social crime prevention unit members, Siyabangena Patrollers and the YCPD.

ALSO CHECK: Brakpan teen activist wins boxing match for breast cancer awareness

The church members prayed and read Bible verses to encourage and remind the children about the love of God. EMPD Warden Mpho Mogapi entertained the children with educational road safety songs and dances.

“Every community is different but, in general, members of the community can help reduce crime by developing their own non-violent communication and emotional regulation skills, mentoring youth, supporting community centres and helping to prevent substance abuse,” said Buthelezi.

“The SAPS social crime prevention programmes and community engagements provide proactive intervention to the youth and community members as far as crime is concerned.

“Brakpan SAPS encourages community members to support crime prevention initiatives, especially the youth programmes, as this will prevent the risks of youth-related crimes.”

Both events of the day were successful, and the organisers appreciated the SAPS’ visibility and support for community initiatives.

ALSO CHECK: Just Wheels Club revs up enthusiasm for Italian, French and Swedish cars