Property-related crime and gender-based violence (GBV) remain the biggest safety concerns in Akasia, according to the Akasia Sector 2 CPF.

Chairperson Lerato Makwe outlined the crime trends currently affecting the area and detailed plans aimed at strengthening community safety.

“The most common crimes currently affecting Akasia include housebreaking and residential burglaries, business break-ins, theft out of motor vehicles, common robbery and GBV-related cases,” said Makwe.

She explained that while property-related crimes have remained persistent compared to last year, there has also been an increase in reported GBV cases.

“Property-related crimes remain a major concern, particularly in areas with poor lighting and limited patrol visibility. There has also been increased reporting of GBV cases, which may indicate both prevalence and improved awareness,” she said.

Makwe confirmed that several hotspots have been identified in collaboration with the Akasia SAPS through crime pattern analysis and community reports.

She said these include areas with poor streetlighting, open fields, bushy areas, informal gathering points and certain high-traffic residential zones.

“The CPF works closely with SAPS Akasia through joint patrol co-ordination, information sharing, crime prevention campaigns, community awareness workshops and sector meetings.

“The CPF acts as a bridge between SAPS and the community to improve communication and trust,” she said.

“Vehicle availability and manpower capacity remain ongoing challenges at the police station. These limitations do impact visibility and response times; however, efforts are continuously being made to optimise available resources,” explained Makwe.

Despite these constraints, the CPF has committed to strengthening patrol structures.

Plans include structured sector-based patrol schedules, joint patrols with SAPS where possible, collaboration with private security companies and strengthening street-by-street community watch structures.

“We will be recruiting and fingerprinting new CPF volunteers, reactivating inactive members, aligning patrol schedules with identified hotspots and improving radio and WhatsApp communication structures,” she said.

The CPF is also exploring partnerships with local businesses, property owners and security companies to expand community-based CCTV coverage and integrate camera systems with private monitoring networks.

Makwe emphasised that community participation is critical in improving safety outcomes.

“Community safety cannot rest solely on SAPS. It requires active partnership between residents, CPF, private security and law enforcement.

“We are committed to structured, measurable interventions in 2026, and we urge residents not to disengage but to participate responsibly,” she said.

She said residents can assist by joining CPF structures, participating in co-ordinated patrols after proper screening, improving lighting and security on their properties, installing cameras linked to security networks and promptly reporting suspicious activity.

However, she cautioned against vigilantism.

“Residents can assist without placing themselves at risk by reporting suspicious activity instead of confronting suspects, joining structured patrols under CPF co-ordination, attending safety workshops, sharing verified information responsibly and avoiding vigilantism. Safety must always remain lawful and co-ordinated,” added Makwe.

Among the CPF’s key priorities for this year are strengthening GBV awareness and victim support programmes, formalising partnerships with private security, improving hotspot-focused patrol visibility, increasing volunteer recruitment compliance and operationalising the Wonderpark CPF kiosk as a community information hub.

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