Sebenza Community Policing Forum (CPF) held an urgent meeting on August 20 for all current and active patrollers in the precinct.
The meeting was called by the new station commander, Col Catherine van Wyngard, and CPF executive chairman, Andrew Mosesi at Sebenza Police Station to discuss topics such as crime, by-laws and deployments.
An increase in the number of patrollers was noted by Mosesi. However, concern was also raised that Cresslawn and Esther Park proper were not represented.
Under the topic of crime, an incident at a Croydon bottle store on August 19, where people were drinking in public, was mentioned. A police vehicle in the area drove past without assisting. CPF patrollers had to attend to the matter.
“We asked people who were drinking in public to leave the area because it was late and the shops were closed and they responded positively and left,” said Mosesi.
Van Wyngard was not happy with the incident and said the matter would be investigated.
“I want CPF patrollers and SAPS members to have a good working relationship, as CPF patrollers are normally the first responders,” said Van Wyngard.
Kempton Park West was also mentioned as a hot spot for crime because there is no CPF presence. “There are people who are reported to be patrolling, however, they haven’t made contact with the Sebenza CPF for assistance,” said Mosesi.
According to Sebenza SAPS the trend is that residential burglaries mostly occurs on a Monday, Thursday, Saturday or Sunday between 7am and 6pm, with 3pm being the most likely time.
A big concern was raised by the community regarding by-laws, and although the EMPD has been invited to several meetings, they have not attended.
“It is also important that patrollers know which officers are deployed on each shift to be able to work with the police. This will assist the community because patrollers can respond to calls while the police are on their way. Other crime prevention and crime awareness operations will involve both deployments of SAPS and CPF members,” said both Mosesi and Van Wyngard.
Sebenza CPF and SAPS urges the community to attend the scheduled monthly meetings.
