Community partners with police for crime prevention
Community stands up against crime.
The community of Austinview initiated a joint effort to address robberies in their sub-crime forum by volunteering to work with the police.
The Rabie Ridge SAPS spokesperson, Captain Mofana Masela, said the community recruited community patrollers at a meeting that took place in Austinview on November 29.
Captain Masela said present at the meeting were the executive of the crime sector forum sector commander, Sgt Mzamane Xirindza; crime prevention commander, Capt Alwal Alwal; corporate communication commander, Capt Mofana Matsobane Masela and volunteer patrollers and patroller coordinator, Miss Grace Mononela.
“The community dug deep into their pockets to buy equipment to use for patrols in the area. They did not waste time,” said Capt Masela.
“They have recruited 15 patrollers. Captain Alwal and Sgt Xirindza inducted the volunteer patrollers on how to work with the police.”
He said a community police partnership was consolidated and a way forward started by community members buying 22 radios, eight bullet proof vests, pepper spray, high-powered torches, security vehicle lights bars and hand torches.
“Crime prevention information and notices were also acquired to mobilise more patrollers from the community. The community was excited by the support they were given by the station commander Col Tsotsotso when he sent his team to improve police community prevention to address crime in the area,” said Capt Masela.
Capt Alwal said this is a good initiative by the community and that the SAPS hopes other sections would join this kind of crime prevention initiative to spread throughout the whole area.
“This is a start of things to happen, crime will be a thing of the past,” said Sgt Xirindza.
