The Brakpan CPF held its combined sectors meeting on the evening of July 7 in the hall of the NG Kerk Brakpan Moedergemeente, where police, patrollers and community members discussed crime prevention and challenges affecting the area.

Brakpan police were represented at the meeting, which was hosted by the Sector 1 CPF, by interim Vispol commander Lieutenant Colonel Pearl Van Staad and social crime prevention and communications officer Constable Audrey Buthelezi.

Sector 1 chairperson Simon Mabuse chaired the meeting, which was also attended by Brakpan CPF chairperson Tinus Jordaan, CPF Sector 4 chairperson Jessy Naicker, an EMPD representative, CPF patrollers and community members.

Buthelezi presented the crime overview for June in the absence of Captain Pieter Booysens from Crime Information Management and Analysis Centre.

Mabuse raised challenges, discussed incidents and highlighted possible solutions for crime prevention in each sector.

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Patrollers and community members also participated by raising concerns and providing suggestions.
Among the issues discussed were alleged SAPS corruption, Rate My Service (a SAPS survey) and gender-based violence.

Buthelezi addressed attendees regarding corruption, condemning rumours about SAPS members allegedly involved in corruption without evidence.

She stated that spreading unauthenticated information about SAPS corruption erodes public trust, weakens community policing and makes crime prevention more difficult.

Buthelezi urged the public not to tarnish the SAPS name by painting all members with the same brush, adding that community members should also acknowledge SAPS members who serve with integrity and uphold SAPS ethics.

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She reminded community members about the suggestion boxes available at the Community Service Centre (charge office) and encouraged them to complete Rate My Service leaflets whenever they visit the police station.

Regarding GBV-related matters, Buthelezi explained that in many reported cases, police members are left unable to proceed when complainants refuse to cooperate during investigations.

She highlighted that the progress of a reported incident depends on the complainant’s cooperation and willingness to assist with investigations and the eventual arrest of the perpetrator.

“Community members are encouraged to get involved and attend these meetings as everyone has value to add to the community,” said Buthelezi.

“Challenges and possible solutions are discussed during these meetings, and community members will be playing a vital role in assisting with crime prevention strategies, crime combating, and guiding police on issues affecting the community.”