Police have warned Wadeville residents and businesses of increased crime risks ahead of the festive season, while stakeholders work on a new employment platform.

The Elsburg SAPS CPF hosted an SAPS and business meeting with business operators within the Elsburg precinct.

Wadeville businesses joined forces with police to tackle crime and unemployment.

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Wadeville businesses, security companies, the CPF and the SAPS discussed ways to strengthen crime prevention efforts in the area while improving communication between businesses and jobseekers.

The commitment was made during a Wadeville Business Stakeholders meeting on August 26, where crime trends, police resources, security technology, illegal gatherings and unemployment were among the key issues discussed.

The meeting was welcomed by Elsburg Station CPF chairperson Thulane Potsane and attended by CPF station secretary Margaret Sekul and acting Vispol commander Captain Joseph Mazibuko.

Theft of motor vehicles remains a concern, with Mazibuko adding that theft out of motor vehicles was among the most prevalent crimes reported in the area during the past month.

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Hotspots, including the Pick n Pay in Elspark after 19:00, have been identified, with SAPS working with private security companies to curb the incidents.

Several incidents were reported, including the theft of a Volkswagen Polo in Tedstoneville and a Ford Ranger stolen from the Pick n Pay Elspark parking area.

In the latter case, the vehicle was taken between 18:40 and 18:55, and surveillance footage showed it travelling towards Vosloorus. SAPS Vosloorus was alerted and the vehicle was subsequently recovered, although its bakkie trailer had been removed.

Police also raised concerns about possible planned vehicle thefts, including cases where drivers allegedly behaved suspiciously before vehicles disappeared.

Residents and businesses were urged to remain particularly vigilant on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays and to report suspicious activity.

With increased movement expected from October into the festive season, police warned businesses and residents to remain alert.

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“We also raised concerns about so-called ‘handovers’, where drivers may allegedly work with acquaintances to stage vehicle thefts or hijackings,” said Mazibuko.

In August 2025, 13 hijackings were reported in the area, although police indicated that some of these cases may have involved alleged handovers. Investigations into the cases remain ongoing.

Police also reported progress in tackling armed robberies along the N17 in Wadeville.

Mazibuko said SAPS, detectives, security companies and the CPF conducted a joint operation after suspects were allegedly linked to an area behind a group of businesses where a recycling site and informal structures are located.

Two suspects were arrested at the site, including one allegedly linked to an armed robbery on the N17 and another who was wanted for a crime committed last year.

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A total of six people were arrested during operations for various offences.

Police also warned about an emerging informal settlement where suspects are allegedly targeting commuters travelling across the bridge between Cruywagen and Graceland.

The incidents reportedly occur mainly during the early morning and late evening, when people are travelling to or from work.

During operations, police confiscated items including knives, toy guns, screwdrivers and purses not belonging to the suspects searched.

Police called on businesses and residents to intensify patrols, remain vigilant and strengthen cooperation with security stakeholders.

The Wadeville Area Group (WAG) said intelligent cameras have been installed facing the N17 to assist with identifying vehicle registration numbers.

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Additional cameras are being positioned at the corners of Dekema and Osborn roads and Davidson and Dekema roads.

Negotiations are also continuing with Scaw Metals to install another camera at an intersection in the area.

Graphite Security will monitor the camera system, with discussions underway to bring other security companies into the monitoring network.

The stakeholders also raised concerns about cable theft and urged businesses and the municipality to ensure that incidents are formally reported to SAPS.

Where electricity outages are suspected to be linked to cable theft, businesses were advised to obtain a SAPS case number confirming that a theft case had been opened.

Police resource shortages were also highlighted, calling for a greater partnership with stakeholders.

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Potsane commended the security companies and other stakeholders for their continued support, saying their role had become increasingly important in assisting the local police station.

He reiterated concerns about the station’s limited resources.

According to Potsane, the station should have 136 members but currently has 108, with two members expected to leave during August without replacements having been communicated.

Vehicle shortages were described as an even greater challenge.

Potsane said the station had operated with only three vehicles for crime prevention during the past month – one from the Community Service Centre, one from support services and one allocated to crime prevention.

“The station is supposed to have six crime-prevention vehicles, with two allocated to each sector,” said Potsane.

A new portal aims to connect businesses and jobseekers, creating a platform for businesses to find verified jobseekers in one portal.

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The meeting also addressed the ongoing issue of protests and illegal gatherings linked to the March on March movement.

Stakeholders raised concerns about groups allegedly arriving at company premises picketing, demanding business and employee information, submitting CVs and, in some cases, intimidating companies to employ them.

The station has responded by creating an online community-based portal designed to provide a neutral communication platform between businesses and residents.

“The portal will be facilitated and monitored through the CPF office, with the CPF Youth Desk also playing a role,” said Potsane.

Potsane said community members will be able to register their CVs, while candidates will undergo a police clearance process as part of the registration system.

“Businesses will be able to advertise vacancies and identify vetted candidates for available job positions.”

“The portal will also provide opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises, non-profit organisations and schools to participate.”

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Among the planned services are job searches, company procurement opportunities, NPO support, graduate programmes, training opportunities, social upliftment initiatives and company events.

The station CPF chairperson added that schools will also be visited to encourage matriculants to register for graduate programmes and other opportunities offered by businesses.

Potsane said the initiative was created to address a communication gap that has resulted in community members being unaware of available vacancies while businesses struggle to reach suitable candidates.

He said the platform could also help reduce social problems linked to unemployment, including drug and alcohol abuse.

Businesses were encouraged to direct people seeking employment to the CPF and SAPS station rather than allowing groups to gather at company gates and potentially intimidate employees.

Security companies were also asked to direct such individuals to the station.

The initiative aims to create a direct link between Wadeville businesses and the surrounding community while providing companies with a structured way to engage with residents.

Furthermore, businesses are urged to prepare for the festive season.

As the festive season approaches, businesses were urged to ensure that employees are aware of potential crime risks.

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Employers were encouraged to warn workers against carrying unnecessary valuables, including bank cards, particularly during periods when bonuses are paid.

“Security stakeholders were also urged to maintain heightened vigilance as increased movement is expected from October through November and into the festive season,” said Potsane.

He said the meeting ended with a call for businesses, SAPS, the CPF, security companies and the wider community to continue working together to improve safety and create opportunities for residents.