Lieutenant Colonel Patrick Thokozani Mathe started working at the Norwood Police Station on January 24 this year. He’s a simple, yet firm, man who cares about his community and the police that serve them is the acting station commander at Norwood Police Station.
With an impressive set of accomplishments gained over the years, his skills include; dealing with civil claims, crime prevention, control of dockets, and more. The acting station commander has attained the badges of sergeant, warrant officer and captain after working at police stations across the city including Johannesburg Central, Hillbrow, Mondeor and Naledi.
“This year in January I was approached by my district commissioner to come and help out in Norwood,” said Mathe.
He said there are challenges which include a high rate of crime in the area. Crimes include;
- Contact crimes – common assaults and common robberies.
- Crimes like arson and malicious damage to property.
- Property related crimes – theft of motor vehicles; theft out of motor vehicles; housebreaking.
- House robberies and hijackings.
- Drugs on Louis Botha.
Lieutenant Colonel Mathe said they were dealing with all cases by using the processes of intelligence and crime information gathering. They also conduct spot checks, roadblocks, stop and search at hotspots. Many operations are being carried out from time to time to clean up drug-dealing issues. He said they also communicate information and then make sure complainants are given feedback timeously.
“We also have internal challenges as it has been reported by members of the community that there are corrupt elements within our ranks, we are seriously dealing with that. We have the anti-corruption strategy at the station, we’re addressing and informing members regarding that in our workshops.
“My other challenge is the safety of police as we see police stations being attacked around the country. We also encourage the safety of the police station and monitored access control to the station. I am also concerned about the treatment of arrested persons as they also have rights.”
The acting station commander said they have, with the Norwood Community Police Forum, established the Security Forum which includes all the stakeholders; Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department, Home Affairs and local security companies. He said the issue of the hijacking of houses is being addressed by provincial police.
Mathe said they were engaging with Operation Dudula to fight crime lawfully. Homeless persons are also of concern to the acting station commander and he invited the involvement of the social development department and victim empowerment unit in assisting them.
He concluded, “I listen to what the community says and combine it with my experience to be able to deal with and prevent crime. Without the community, police cannot serve. The safety of our community is our main concern and that of the police.”
Details: Norwood Police Station 011 483 4600
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