In a statement issued by Constable Lucky Matome, spokesperson for the Tarlton Police, he explained the importance of the relationship between the police and the community.
He said that one of the important things in these relationships is the feedback provided to the community about safety issues. Feedback like this strengthens the trust the community has in the police and that forms the basis for the fight against crime.
Photos: Supplied.
“Both the police and the community have a role to play and this relationship enables both parties to take the lead and be accountable for the safety of the community and police,” he explained.
The management of the Tarlton Police Station; the executive of the Community Policing Forum, led by Emmanuel Munyai; ward councillor Dikgang Sithole, and the community of Matshelapad informal settlement held a crime-fighting meeting on the Matshelapad sports grounds on 16 October.
The meeting came after management at the police station decided to embark on an educational and feedback session, with their main focus being on the rise of property- and contact-related crimes in the area.
“Members of the community came in numbers and were afforded an opportunity to ask questions, and as there are no easy solutions to fight crime, ideas and inputs were also welcomed,” explained Matome.
Another topic raised at the meeting was gender-based violence, where they mentioned how two serial rapists and murderers recently received 14 life sentences each for their crimes. They talked about responsible parenting as well, mentioning a woman being arrested for child neglect recently, and talked about house break-ins.
“The message to the community of Tarlton is that ‘Crime is Everyone’s Business’, we can all see the early warning signals – the little worries that alert us to the need to prevent bigger problems. The trick is to swing into action at the first sign of trouble, not to wait until it comes to your front door. Acting right away by reporting suspicious activities and participating in crime-fighting groups forms part of proactive crime prevention,” said Munyai.
The sector manager for Matshelapad, Constable Lebo Mogale, also outlined crime trends and encouraged the community to form a neighbourhood watch and sector crime forums.
“Getting together to fight crime, violence and drugs can help create communities where children can enjoy their childhood and people once isolated by crime and fear can enjoy being part of a safe and thriving neighbourhood,” said Mogale.
Matome said that this type of engagement with the community will be continuing on a regular basis.
