| The Deputy Minister of Police leads from the front in engaging community through a Crime Prevention Imbizo at Lenyenye Limpopo | |
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| Date Published: | 2024/04/27 |
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Media Statement TZANEEN - The Deputy Minister of Police, Mr Cassel Mathale (MP), joined by SAPS management have on Friday, 26 April 2024, engaged with the community members in and around Lenyenye under Maake policing area, to enhance partnership with citizens for safer communities through an Imbizo. The event was attended by the MEC for Transport and Community Safety, Ms F Radzilani, MPL , Traditional Authorities , Greater Tzaneen Local Municipality, the Divisional Commissioner for Visible Policing and Operations, Lieutenant General MJ Mamotheti, Provincial Commissioner of Limpopo, Lieutenant General MT Hadebe, Community Police Forum (CPF), Heads of Departments and Entities, Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Policing Major General Scheepers, District Commissioner of Mopani Major General Mashava, Provincial Heads, Station Commanders, SAPS members from different units and stations and other stakeholders. The Minister and his entourage paid a courtesy visit to Bakgaga Ba Maake Tribal Council as part of giving effect to traditional policing and rural safety. The briefing session was held at Assemblies of God Church, in Lenyenye where a crime overview of Maake policing precinct was outlined as well as interventions in place to ensure the safety and security in the area. The Deputy Minister and his entourage then proceeded to the main event venue at Lenyenye Community Hall in Maake. The Mayor for Greater Tzaneen Local Municipality, Cllr G. Molapisane welcomed the Deputy Minister as well as all the attendees to set tone for the event. The purpose of the event, which is aimed at strengthening the collaboration between the police and community members in fighting against crime within our space, was rendered by Divisional Commissioner for Visible Policing and Operations, Lieutenant General MJ Mamotheti. A discussion platform was opened for the community to engage with the SAPS in order to find lasting solutions to address prevalent criminal elements in the area. Community members raised their concerns, with the talking point being a five-year-old girl, who was allegedly raped in 2016 and her case according to the family, was not dealt with in accordance with the SAPS mandate, the victim's mother, who is the complainant in this regard, alleged. The Deputy Minister Mr Cassel Mathale immediately ordered the SAPS Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit in Tzaneen, to apply thorough investigations and provide feedback to the Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe. Meanwhile, one of the community members from Ga-Sekororo, among other issues, requested the Deputy Minister to intervene in ensuring that resources given to the Police are increased. He further mentioned that the area has about 97 000 residents with two officers and one vehicle, so it becomes impossible for the community to receive the expected services from the Police. In the midst of other matters, Provincial CPF, Civilian Secretariat, IPID, PSIRA, Greater Tzaneen Local Municipality, and different Heads of Department and Entities responded to issues as and when they are raised. The Provincial Commissioner of Limpopo SAPS, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, said in her understanding Maake policing area has resources which might not be enough but they are able to service communities, she said she will conduct a follow up in this regard. The issue of a child rape, is a serious concern if we are unable to protect the vulnerable groups, to such an extent that even a 2016 rape case was still not resolved. Feedback is expected from the Tzaneen FCS. She said community members must feel comfortable to expose Police officers who are misusing resources and are involved in corrupt activities. The MEC for Transport and Community Safety, Ms Florence Radzilani, in her remarks, spoke about the increased budget for Community Policing Forum structures and further acknowledged the Community structures that are dedicated to work with the Police to fight against criminal activities. In his Key note Address, the Deputy Minister of Police responded to the questions raised by different community members. He gave orders and instructions to relevant offices regarding the concerns and comments raised by the community. He told the community about the progress of improving service delivery through the ongoing project 10 000 of employing more Police officers across the country to stabilize crime. He also acknowledged the PSIRA (Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority) for donating resources to the Community Policing Structures, whereby the members were given the operational reflector jackets and boots to wear while performing their duties. More Crime Prevention Imbizo are expected with efforts to improve service delivery. Ends
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