Brakpan police are working to participate in regular community meetings to share crime trends and safety tips, and to launch youth outreach programmes to keep young people away from criminal influences.

“Community engagement is more than responding to crime. It is about preventing crime,” said Brakpan SAPS social crime prevention and communications officer Constable Audrey Buthelezi.

Buthelezi, supported by the Siyabangena Patrollers Martha Mayisa and Pulane Qhina, recently embarked on one-on-one interactions with the youth at the Mkhancwa informal settlement.

“The objective was to encourage youth to participate in youth development activities that can open
doors to a brighter future for them,” she said.

Buthelezi interacted with young people, encouraging them and assuring them that the SAPS will always be there to support and ensure their safety.

“Brakpan SAPS is committed to a simple but powerful pledge that they will not fight crime in isolation,” she said.

“The SAPS continues to engage, listen, and act with integrity in building a culture where safety is everyone’s business.

Following this visit, the group headed to the Tholakele and Thandizingane homes situated in the Withok area, where they donated oranges to the children at the homes.

The oranges were donated by the Solidarity Brakpan branch chaplaincy members and Helpende Hande.

“Building trust is the foundation of effective policing. When communities trust the SAPS, they share information more openly and cooperate in investigations,” said Buthelezi.

“This means the police must be visible and approachable, feedback from the community must be taken seriously, and every engagement must show respect and fairness.

“Crime thrives in silence and division. Safety thrives in unity and action. Brakpan SAPS chooses action and to build a society where every street, every home, and every heart is free from fear.”