To mobilise community and build a healthy and working relationship, Provincial Pro-Active Policing conducted Rural Safety Imbizo on Thursday, 24 August 2023, at Khayakhulu village in Madikwe, outside Rustenburg in the Bojanala Platinum Sub-District 1. The Provincial Head of Corporate Communication Brigadier Mokgwabone, the stock theft commander, Lieutenant Colonel Malebati and the Acting Station Commander of Phokeng, Lieutenant Colonel None were among the management who are attended the Imbizo. Members of the community including livestock owners came in numbers, to listen to how SAPS plans to solve stock theft challenge that they experience at area.
Khayakhulu is one of the areas with the highest stock theft cases in the district. Thus, the SAPS saw it fit to hold the imbizo at Zibi Tribal Hall. The attendees were welcomed by the Station Commander of Madikwe, Colonel Linda Booyce. She informed the attendees that they are going to be given a chance to pose questions to the SAPS management.
The Provincial Head of Pro-Active Policing Brigadier Molate during her purpose of the day remarks, she said the Provincial Office decided to come and listen to the challenges that Khayakhulu residents are facing when it comes to stock theft and other crimes that affect them. The Brigadier explained that the province wants to assist the community in fighting crime and making sure that the residents of Khayakhulu are and feel secure in their homes. “We want to know the problems that you as the community members are experiencing in with our police complaints. MmaKgosi Zibi was also afforded an opportunity to make comments and address the attendees including SAPS members.
She indicated that the community must work together so that they can work jointly with the police. She warned about a tendency of families to solve cases among themselves. She also pleaded with the police to render a good service to the community as part of reducing the anger the latter have towards the police.
The Imbizo ended with a vote of thanks by the Acting Station Commander of Phokeng, Lt Col None on behalf of the District Commissioner, brigadier Ntoagae. He thanked everybody for their attendance and participation.