Residents and representatives of residential complexes are being encouraged to attend the next Midrand Complex Forum meeting on April 18 at 11:00 at the Midrand Police Station.

The call follows the re-establishment of the forum on March 18, where residents and representatives from various complexes gathered to revive the structure and elect a new committee.

The forum, which had previously become inactive, is being brought back as part of broader efforts to improve coordination on crime prevention and safety issues affecting gated communities and residential estates across Midrand.

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Police and forum members stressed that stronger participation from residents will be key to making the structure effective, especially after the relaunch meeting drew low attendance. Residents are now urged to attend the next meeting, familiarise themselves with their newly elected committee members, and get to know the sector managers responsible for policing in their areas.

The new committee is led by chairperson Mpho Khoele, with Koketso Time as secretary. Other members include Srikanth Mudili, Chris Naidoo, and Lerato Myaka. Although the March 18 meeting was poorly attended, those present raised concerns about the need for better outreach strategies to ensure broader participation and representation from all sectors of Midrand.

Attendees highlighted that many residents still do not know which policing sector they fall under or how to engage effectively with local safety structures, making public awareness and communication a priority going forward.

Addressing the meeting, Midrand Vispol support commander Lieutenant Colonel Mmakgomo Ronny Semono said collaboration between police, private security, and residents living in gated communities was essential.

“There is a need for this [Complex Forum] to work,” said Semono. “Remember, police are policing; we are patrolling the outskirts of your complexes.

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Your complexes have securities. And we, every day, have the solidarity forum, where we discuss crime. Every security company gives us a presentation as to how many times they patrol within their complexes within a week, what sort of crimes are encountered, and what is becoming much of a thorny issue.”

Semono explained that police access to some estates and complexes was often limited, making cooperation with residents and private security companies even more important in tackling crime effectively. He also warned residents about the growing threat of criminals impersonating police officers.

“These individuals are often equipped with blue lights, sirens, and even protective gear, making them difficult to identify. Residents must verify any police presence through sector managers or the station before granting access.”

Residents were encouraged to keep the contact details of their sector managers close at hand and to report suspicious behaviour without delay.

Sector 3 manager Sergeant Ngwako Matlhatlha noted that his sector alone included more than 100 complexes.

“I believe, with the support of the Community Policing Forum and internal collaboration, we can find ways to improve coordination and communication,” he said.

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