THE Pinetown SAPS successfully hosted a Community Imbizo on Saturday, October 25, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen communication channels, improve service delivery, and enhance community safety.

The imbizo at the Cowies Hill Community Hall was attended by the area’s residents and those from Pinetown Central as well as representatives from the Durban Metro Police Department (DMPD), eThekwini Municipality, the Pinetown community policing forum (CPF), the Department of Community Safety and Liaison (DCSL), and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).

Colonel Kesval Pillay presented monthly crime statistics, indicating relatively low crime levels in the area.

He expressed appreciation to security companies, street patrollers, neighbourhood watch structures, and all community safety groups for their dedicated partnership with SAPS.

“We need to have continued collaboration to maintain safety in our area,” said Pillay.

Captain Umesh Bikkaram outlined how a docket is opened, from initial reporting to the matter being finalised in court.

He stressed the importance of consistent and timely feedback to complainants, which remains a key priority in improving service delivery.

DMPD’s Colonel Siyabonga Dlamini highlighted the work done by his department, which is to enforce municipal by-laws, particularly regarding noise disturbances.

“Residents should engage one another respectfully to resolve disputes where possible, and report issues to the Metro Police only when necessary and valid,” said Dlamini.

Gugu Mbili from the NPA provided insight into the court system, expressing concern over the lack of seriousness often shown toward male victims of Gender-Based Violence (GBV).

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She stated that more must be done to support all victims, emphasising the mental and emotional impact experienced by men who feel unheard or dismissed.

DCSL’s Fikile Buthelezi reiterated that the department’s mandate includes facilitating co-operation between SAPS and communities while monitoring policing performance. She encouraged the strengthening of community safety structures to ensure crime prevention.

Imbizo bridges gap between police and community

Ward councillor Melanie Brauteseth expressed disappointment at the low turnout but thanked those who attended and the various stakeholders who continue to support safety initiatives.

She committed to improving community mobilisation for future engagements.

CPF chairperson Justin Bosse encouraged residents to become more involved in local community policing efforts as part of rebuilding the Pinetown Central CPF, which includes Cowies Hill.

He appealed for volunteers to contribute toward community safety.

Pinetown SAPS communications officer Jennifer Naidu emphasised that engagements like the imbizo are a vital platform for residents to share their views, concerns, and feedback, whether positive or critical.

She highlighted that in order for community voices to be heard and for change to take place, active participation is essential.

“It is not enough to suggest that the police do not attend to specific concerns; for your voice to be heard, you need to support these engagements. This is your opportunity to speak and be listened to,” said Naidu.

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