Call centre opened to curb crime

In an effort to combat crime in the Wierdabrug and surrounding areas, the sector 3 community policing subforum has finally opened a call centre that will address crime issues on a 24-hour basis.

Hannes du Buisson, chairman of Wierdabrug sector 3 (WBS3), said the call centre is the central communications point of the sector 3 subforum. He further said the community, concerned citizens and all who observe or experience criminal activities within the WBS3 area are encouraged to report such activities to the call centre at any time.

“Members of the WBS3 community, man the centre on a 24/7 basis and do so voluntarily. There is, however, still a need for more volunteers to assist at the call centre. We provide training and guidance throughout to ensure effective logging of criminal activities and we assist with crime-related emergencies that are reported,” explained Du Buisson.

He further thanked everyone who was involved in the establishment of the centre.

“Along with the normal communications channels used at the call centre we will also be connected to the Concerned Citizens of Centurion (CCC),” he said.

He encouraged each member of the sector to become involved in any manner possible. “The more eyes and ears spotting and reporting criminal activities, the more successful crime prevention campaigns would be,” Du Buisson stated.

Acting station commander Lieutenant Colonel Moses Dladla reiterated that the community police forum (CPF) is a legislated body embodied in the Act regulating the SAPS and a requirement founded through the Constitution. “The platform for effective communication with the community is based within the structures of the CPF and through this platform a focused approach on specific concerns around crime within our community is addressed.”

Warrant Officer Nkatametse Mabilo, sector commander for WBS3, encouraged the community within the sector 3 area to contact the sector vehicle on 071-675-6464 for emergencies or to report any criminal activities.

The area covered by WBS3 are Raslouw, Wierdapark, Eldoraigne, Eldo Glen, Wierda Glen, Amberfield, Rooihuiskraal North, Heuweloord, Heuwelsig and Celtisdal.

“Without the active participation of the community through organisations like the CPF and the CCC, the fight against crime would become an insurmountable challenge. We therefore encourage the community to report all crimes to ensure that effective SAPS resource allocation is done,” Mabilo said.

When asked for comment, Colonel Egen Moodley said his personal objective is to do everything possible to eradicate crime in the Wierdabrug and wider Centurion community.

To report crime and emergencies phone the call centre on 072-822-9312 or 072-837-5278, as well as to find out how to become involved and how to access the CCC and all other communications channels.