Colonel Johann Greyling has wasted no time making his presence felt in the Barrage farming community before officially starting his new job as the top cop on November 1.
The determined commander has already hit the ground running by joining operations and engaging with residents to tackle hijackings and stock theft, which remain major headaches in the area.
Speaking to Ster South on the sidelines of an operation, Greyling said his mission is to strengthen community partnerships, tackle serious crimes, and restore discipline within the station.
“I’m not the kind of station commander who stays in the office. I am always on the ground, putting in the work,” he said.
One of his early successes came after a farmer was left devastated by the alleged theft of 40 cattle from his kraal.
Greyling and his team responded immediately and helped trace the animals to Evaton, outside Sebokeng, bringing much-needed relief to the owner.
With stock theft a major concern due to the area’s vulnerability, Greyling made it clear that he is determined to tackle the problem head-on.
“The mandate is simple. I am here to fight crime and make sure that I leave Barrage governable. I hate crime. Hence, we, together with the Barrage community, are going to work together,” he said.
Cattle thieves are not the only crooks on his radar, as hijackings along the N1 are another major concern with criminals targeting the busy route and motorists.
Greyling pointed out that Barrage is known as a high-hijacking hotspot, but plans are already in motion to tackle the syndicates believed to be behind the problem.
He is working with various stakeholders and authorities to strengthen the fight against crimes targeting trucks and motorists. Believing that the police cannot win the war against crime alone, Greyling wants stronger relationships
between the station, residents, businesses, and private security companies to make life difficult for criminals.
Security company Sekuriteit Sonder Grense, which received stakeholder recognition at this year’s excellence awards for its co-operation with the station, is already among those working with the police.
Greyling aims to establish more crime-fighting vehicles and encourage greater community involvement.
“Community Policing Forum is vital for every community. We need to create such community relations to make it easier for us to work together and curb criminals from operating in our space,” he said.
