“Crime is a worrying factor in our community and it disturbs the good life of our citizens,” said West Rand District Police Corporate Communications representative Sergeant Kgomotso Mogwere.
For this reason the police and other stakeholders recently embarked on a crime-awareness campaign in Hekpoort and Magaliesburg.
The Social Crime Prevention and communications officers from different police stations in the West Rand District were joined by the Gauteng Department of Community Safety, community patrollers, the gender-based violence (GBV) Brigade, victim empowerment and the Quegal Restoration and Refugee Centre (QRRC) on Wednesday, September 15.
Mogwere explained that the campaign started at the Hekpoort Police Station where they engaged with the community to educate them about crime, and encourage them to assist the police.
“The community members in the Lethabong informal settlement amongst others were addressed about house robberies, GBV, rape, the abuse of children, alcohol and drug, as well as domestic violence.”
The police distributed pamphlets containing information and contact numbers of how to get hold of them.
During the campaign the QRRC in Newthorndale, Magaliesburg was visited, and police spoke to the victims of substance abuse. They told them not to get involved with drugs and rather be a good example to their community, and discourage others not to resort to illegal-substance abuse.
“They were encouraged to use the training skills that they have acquired at the rehabilitation centre to make a living and have a good life. Social worker Cynthia Wilson appreciated the visit, and the victims of substance abuse, who also welcomed the visit by the police had the opportunity to present their testimonies.”
The teams then went to Ga-Mogale where they addressed the community about gender-based violence, house robberies, crimes against women and children, rape, domestic violence and housebreaking.
“The pamphlets containing information about crime and the contact numbers of the police were also distributed to the community, who were happy about the presence of the police in their respective areas.”
Mogwere said the Magaliesburg Police station commander Lieutenant Colonel Mawewe Vuma thanked all the members of the police, stakeholders and community volunteers on behalf of the District Commissioner Major General Fred Kekana for their efforts.
The community is encouraged to contact the Magaliesburg Police Station on 014 577 5136, the Hekpoort Police Station on 014 576 9108 or use the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111. Alternatively send a SMS to 32211.
