WATCH: Coffee with a Cop strengthens community ties at Southgate Mall
The initiative gave residents the chance to engage with police, learn about the MySAPS app and receive free health checks in a welcoming environment.
Residents had the opportunity to connect with police officers and access important services during a successful Coffee with a Cop event hosted by Mondeor SAPS at Southgate Mall.
The event was held in partnership with Crown Gardens Clinic, Wits VIDA-Fola Health and Mondeor CPF Sector 4.
Coffee with a Cop is a community policing programme that brings police officers and residents together over a cup of coffee in a relaxed and informal setting.
The initiative aims to break down barriers between law enforcement and the public, allowing community members to raise concerns, ask questions and build trust without a formal agenda.
The event focused on promoting the MySAPS app, the official free mobile application of the South African Police Service.
The app allows citizens to report crimes anonymously, send emergency alerts and locate nearby police stations. Police officials also assisted residents with affidavits and the certification of documents.
Sergeant Elizabeth Nguni from Mondeor SAPS explained the purpose of the day.
“Today, we aimed at bringing the services to the community and reminding them that we are here to assist. By providing them with the correct contact details for various services we offer, ensuring the process is easier for them,” she said.
Shoppers, particularly elderly residents, were invited to enjoy a warm cup of coffee or tea with a biscuit while chatting to police officials and community partners.
Healthcare services were also available on the day. Staff from Wits VIDA-Fola Health and Crown Gardens Clinic offered free blood pressure and blood glucose testing to residents.
Ormonde resident Michael Bell welcomed the convenience of the service.
“I am set to run the Comrades Marathon in a few weeks and I am so grateful that I can check my vitals one last time. This has made it very convenient for me and I do not have to wait in a queue at the clinic,” he said.
City of Johannesburg Health Promoter from Crown Gardens Clinic, Sibusiso Mrwetyana, said the event was planned around the community’s needs.
“We chose the day that our community collects their social grants and pensions to allow them to access the services easily. It is important for our community to take care of their health,” he said.
Residents expressed their appreciation for the initiative and the valuable services offered on the day.
Through partnerships such as these, Mondeor SAPS and its stakeholders continue to remind thecommunity that support, assistance and care are always within reach.
