ATMs in Vosloorus hotspots for crime
Law enforcement agencies from Vosloorus including CPF, patrollers, youth desk, SAPS in partnership with Gauteng Provincial Department of Community Safety, held crime awareness campaign in Vosloorus on Wednesday, August 15.
The Department of Community Safety was represented by Delisiwe Mabena (assistant director development communications), Michael Nephawe (communication officer) and Tokyo Masiweli (communication officer).
Beauty Mabuka Sector Three secretary was also part of the campaign.
The Naledi Mall in Sector Two and Chris Hani Mall in Sector Three were the two areas identified as having handed out pamphlets with tips to help the residents to prevent crime.
Jerry Ramohapi (Vosloorus CPF deputy chairperson) said the purpose of the event was to warn the residents of Vosloorus about different crime hotspots in the area.
“We have identified a couple of crime hotspots in the township with the aim of helping the community. We also gave tips to them as to how to keep themselves safe when they are around those places,” said Ramohapi.
He added that ATMs in the township were some of the hotspots where most people get robbed of their hard-earned money.
“We gave people pamphlets with information that is going to give them more information as to how to use ATMs safely.”
“We also gave people tips to avoid hijackings and the names of places to avoid when driving late at night.”
The meeting also gave tips on how residents can protect themselves from crimes of housebreaking, abduction and kidnapping.
The residents were given a platform to express their views about services rendered by their local police stations. Different views about their experiences when they visit police stations were expressed. There was a mixed reaction, with some singing praises and others showing dissatisfaction.
The question of police accepting bribes was raised as one of the prime barriers to efforts of curbing the alarmingly high rate of crime.
Hlulani Mashaba media liaison officer from Gauteng Provincial Department of Community Safety said they are going to address the concerns raised by the residents.
“We are not going to take the issue of bribery lightly. Where there is evidence of police brutality or police misuse of their powers, we will intervene,” said Mashaba.
Mashaba promised to release a full statement about the public complaints on Tuesday, August 21.
