Matric learner spruces SAPS suggestion box
Shaylize Gopal had a unique experience interacting with the public at Pinetown SAPS Community Service Centre (CSC). The Hillcrest High School learner encouraged community members to provide feedback and report incidents, highlighting the importance of community-police collaboration.
INTERACTING with various people at Pinetown SAPS Community Service Centre (CSC) was a nice and different experience for matric learner Shaylize Gopal.
The 18-year-old, who recently won two crowns at the Queen of South Africa pageant, revamped the CSC and engaged with community members to encourage them to give police feedback and report cases, no matter how small an incident is.
“I enjoyed communicating with the public although it took me out of my comfort zone, in a nice way though.”
During the hours she spent at the station, the finalist for Miss Heart of South Africa said she noted that people have lost hope in the justice system.
Also read: Hillcrest High School learner aims to inspire through modelling
“I believe that police work very hard and need the community to meet them halfway and work together to fight crime. The suggestion box is here for that, for people to share their concerns.”
On the same day, the learner who is passionate about uplifting the community and empowering young people, visited Eric Mtshali Secondary School with the social crime prevention and communications members where they distributed 140 two-minute noodles to learners preparing to write their exams.
Pinetown SAPS communications officer Jennifer Naidu said the Community Service Centre has now been refreshed to create a more welcoming and engaging environment.
“Shaylize brought flowers, a plant, and a tablecloth, and she spruced up the evaluation box where community members complete feedback forms. This revamp ensures the space is inviting and highlights that the community’s input is valued and encouraged.
Working together
“Completing suggestions and evaluation forms is an important part of this process. Pinetown SAPS continuously encourages the public to provide feedback – whether compliments, criticisms, or suggestions – as this helps the station better serve the community and strengthen partnerships,” said Naidu.
“We welcome any partnership with SAPS Pinetown. Our doors are open to everyone – home executives, schools, businesses, clients, and all community members,” added Naidu.
For more from the Highway Mail, follow us on Facebook , X and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.
Click to subscribe to our newsletter here
