PRAKTISEER- In an attempt to combat the crime scourge within her area, the Tubatse cluster commander, Brig Sylvia Ledwaba, recently organised a community meeting.
It was held at Tubatse Police Station and was attended by the five station commanders in the cluster and various stakeholders that included government departments and local entrepreneurs.
Ledwaba told the attendees that according to statistics, there was an increase in business robberies within her policing area.
“I want the communities to help in eradicate these robberies, I pledge to all community members, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), Community Policing Forum (CPF) members, street committees, youth-desk structures and the business people to help the police in apprehending perpetrators and reporting illegal activities in our communities.”
She also urged members of the community not to assault apprehended suspects but to call the police.
“If you caught a suspect it is your right to tie him and call the police,” she said.
Ledwaba added it was challenge for the police to fight crime without the help of the community, “We need to work collectively, and nothing beats togetherness. Provide the police with the whereabouts of criminals in your areas.
We pay for information and I can assure you that you will be protected as we treat information confidentiality,” she said.
She advised foreign business owners to employ local security agencies at their entities as this was going to help in identifying the criminals. She further warned business owners not to be in possession of large amounts of money as they that would make them the targets of criminals.
“Try to implement strong burglars systems, and form street committees that will help in eradicating crime. I can assure you, we can win this battle,” she concluded.
The police also confirmed that similar meetings would be held in and around Tubatse to eradicate crime.
