Residents visiting Wonderpark Mall recently could access important community safety services and engage directly with law enforcement agencies during a public safety awareness initiative.

It was hosted by Akasia SAPS Social Crime Prevention, together with TMPD Social Crime, and Gauteng Traffic.

The focus was to bring services closer to the community while encouraging residents to become actively involved in crime prevention through their local CPF.

Residents were assisted with affidavits and certification of copies, while traffic officials also helped community members check traffic fines linked to their names and provided guidance on how to resolve outstanding ticket matters.

Pamphlets containing information on crimes such as extortion, hijackings, robberies, sexual offences, domestic violence, and kidnapping were distributed to shoppers throughout the day.

Officials also conducted awareness campaigns on gender-based violence (GBV), educating residents on how to report abuse and where to seek help if they experience violence within their communities.

Different departments, including SAPS Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) units, TMPD and the Social Development and Justice departments, shared information on support services available to victims of crime and violence.

Road safety was another key focus area during the initiative.

Residents, particularly pedestrians, received advice on how to protect themselves on the roads and the importance of respecting other road users to prevent unnecessary accidents and injuries.

CPF Akasia executive committee Deputy Chairperson Paulina Seboloki said community involvement remains one of the strongest tools in the fight against crime.

“We want residents to understand that fighting crime is not only the responsibility of the police.

“Communities also play an important role by reporting suspicious activities, joining the CPF and working together with law enforcement agencies to make our areas safer,” said Seboloki.

She added that outreach programmes, such as the one held at Wonderpark, create opportunities for residents to engage directly with officials and learn more about the resources available to them.

“Many residents are not always able to visit police stations or government offices during working hours.

“Bringing these services directly to the people allows community members to receive assistance while also learning about crime prevention and safety,” she said.

Seboloki further encouraged residents from sectors 1, 2 and 3 within the Akasia policing precinct to participate in future CPF activities and community safety programmes.

The initiative formed part of ongoing efforts by SAPS and its partners to strengthen relationships with the community, improve awareness around crime prevention and encourage residents to become active participants in creating safer neighbourhoods.

Seboloki expressed appreciation to residents who attended the outreach campaign and confirmed that similar awareness initiatives will continue to be rolled out within the community.

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