| MEC for Transport and Community Safety jointly with Limpopo SAPS Provincial Commissioner host the Crime Prevention Imbizo in Dennilton | |
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| Date Published: | 2023/12/21 |
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Media Statement POLOKWANE - The MEC for Transport and Community Safety, Ms. Florence Radzilani, together with Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe and her management team including Deputy Provincial Commissioners and Sekhukhune District Commissioner, hosted a Crime Prevention Imbizo focusing on rural safety and other serious crimes in Dennilton, Sekhukhune district, that provided a platform for open dialogue and engagement. The event, held on Thursday, 21 December 2023, at the IECC Church in Ga-Ngholovhane, Malaeneng Village, saw top management engage the community of Dennilton and surrounding areas on crime related issues especially the pressing concern of stock theft, robbery aggravating, carjacking, gender-based violence and substance abuse. The Imbizo featured discussions on community safety, crime prevention strategies, and initiatives to build trust between the SAPS and residents. Representatives from the SAPS, community leaders and various structures, other government departments, and concerned citizens actively participated in these conversations, contributing valuable insights and perspectives. Key topics covered included: Community Policing Initiatives: sharing information on ongoing and upcoming programs to involve the community in crime prevention efforts such as stock theft outreach programs, community engagement, and imbizo in collaboration with various stakeholders. Crime Trends and Prevention: Analyzing current crime trends, discussing preventive measures, and encouraging community members to be proactive in safeguarding their neighbourhood. Community Feedback: Residents were afforded the opportunity to express concerns, share experiences, and offer suggestions for improving police services. The community pleaded with the management to address the issue of unresolved stock theft cases, the Stock Theft Unit Office, which is based in Marble Hall and difficult to access, and shortage of resources, among others. The speakers included Chairperson of the Provincial Youth against Crime, Mr. K. Machete, Chairperson of the Provincial Policing Board, Mr. Kgasago; Colonel Maja, representing Chairperson of the Women's Network, Brigadier Mashila; Provincial Head: FCS Brigadier Mathebula; Provincial Head: Stock Theft, Brigadier Masingi; representative of Community Corrections and Home Affairs; as well as Deputy Chairperson of the House of Traditional Leaders and Khoisan, Kgosi Rammupudu. The Provincial Commissioner, in her remarks, indicated that she is concerned about the level of crime in this area, especially stock theft and contact crimes, and that drastic measures will be taken against SAPS members who are not ready to pull up their socks, including those in the management team. She added that it's very crucial for the community to work together with the police and that she will ensure the station is beefed up with resources, hence the deployment of a total number 17 new members. The MEC for Transport and Community Safety Ms. Radzilani said in her keynote address that the police and community must work together and work hard to reduce crime. She also acknowledged the commitment and dedication of men and women in blue in the province, including in Dennilton who continue to serve the communities selflessly and with loyalty. The MEC said she is concerned about members who misuse state resources and fail to execute their duties. She instructed the Provincial Commissioner to deal with all the issues that were raised, especially the stock theft and ensure feedback was provided to the complainants. She also addressed highlighted police visibility, road fatalities caused by reckless and intoxicated motorists or pedestrians, and partnership policing. The event culminated in a courtesy visit to Bantwane Traditional Aithority under the leadership of Kgosigadi Mathebe in Dennilton where Sekhukhune District Commissioner, Major General Junior Lehabe-Metsi, led a delegation of SAPS members. The visit was part of strengthening relations and enhancing traditional policing concepts in communities. Ends
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