Over 100 stakeholders gathered for the Umkomaas Community Imbizo at the Italian Club in Umkomaas last Saturday, to engage with role players and to work together to build a safer community.

In opening, Ward 99 councillor Jane Naidoo welcomed all and highlighted the importance of this joint partnership policing initiative.

The coordinator was Arlene Alexandre, chairperson of the safety and security portfolio of the Ward 99 committee.

Role players included Umkomaas Community Police Forum, Saps, Metro Police, farmers, private security, Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, residents, Childline, Coastal Marine Task Force, Umkomaas Saps Social Crime Prevention and others.

“Community safety is built on partnerships and an excellent example is when communities can step forward to assist and to be the ears and eyes of the police,” said Captain Ranjith Rampersad, Umkomaas Saps spokesperson.

Some of the items on the agenda included drug activity and the increase in whoonga addicts and other addicts; homelessness and related concerns; illegal or non-hired car guards; drug sales in the CBD and illicit alcohol trade; hawkers obstructing pavements; scrap yards and compliance monitoring; public drinking, fighting and indecent behaviour; home invasions; copper theft; impact of crime on business, tourism and community safety; availability of police vehicles and operational resources; CPF and CPF Sub Forum involvement and participation.

Role players were also given an opportunity to engage constructively, raise concerns respectfully and work together.

From a police point of view, Lieutenant Colonel Mthembeni Zungu stated that every effort will be made to vigorously police pension pay outs, drug dens and shebeens. Also housebreakings, copper theft and visiting second-hand dealers will be prioritised. He further stated that all clients will receive timeous feedback on their cases.

“Members of Saps must abide by the code of conduct at all times and residents are urged to report any incident that tarnishes the image of the police,” he said.

Cynthia Gumede, the CPF chairperson, urged members of the community to form sub forums and join the mother body of the CPF. She further encouraged the youth to make a difference by joining the Saps or the CPF.

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