| Fourth Xhariep District Crime Detection quarterly review session | |
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| Date Published | |
| 2026/04/23 | |
| Details | |
Media Statement TROMPBSURG – Trompsburg Police hosted the fourth Xhariep District Crime Detection Quarterly Review session for the 2025/2026 period. The two day session was facilitated by Brigadier Van der Merwe, Brigadier Els, and Colonel Van der Merwe. Colonel Cilliers directed the program. The proceedings were opened by Warrant Officer Rev. Mokobane, who delivered a scripture reading from Luke 10:1–6 and verse 19. The Reverend requested a moment of silence in honor of Detective Sergeant Maweng, stationed in Edenburg, who recently passed away. As per official protocol, the Code of Conduct was read by Sergeant Mahasa from the Edenburg Detective Service. In her welcoming address, Brigadier Els greeted the attendees and emphasized that the session's primary purpose is to monitor and evaluate performance. She encouraged commanders to compile station specific presentations to better identify matters of concern. The Brigadier stated that management is committed to improving the province’s national performance ranking, as it currently stands at number nine. She provided the following performance breakdown: January: 10 "Greens" and 18 "Reds." February: 18 "Greens" and 7 "Reds." March: Currently at 7 "Greens." "We need to overturn these results and improve. We have moved from number nine to at least number eight, but more work is required," she noted. She reminded the members that they are there to find solutions and identify challenges (hiccups), utilizing the tools provided to render quality service to the community. Brigadier Van der Merwe encouraged commanders to be transparent regarding their challenges and to reflect on the purpose of their attendance. He emphasized that members should leave the two-day session with a positive and proactive mindset. He urged commanders to go the extra mile by visiting branches over weekends to demonstrate determination, noting that subordinates often mirror the commitment shown by their leaders. "Be selfish and invest in yourselves as commanders," he stated, explaining that personal professional growth leads to organizational progress. He further advised members to surround themselves with positive influences. The Brigadier noted that while the district has the potential to excel, the detection rate remains a critical focus area. He highlighted that the community is primarily concerned with two outcomes: the arrest of suspects and the recovery of their property. While contact and contact-related crimes remain a priority, focusing on Assault GBH and Common Assault will address a significant portion of the crime stats. Station Commanders must ensure members attend to these cases and effect arrests. Members who fail to arrest suspects in viable cases may face disciplinary charges. The importance of buccal swabs and utilizing linkages was highlighted. "A linkage is effectively an informant," the Brigadier remarked. Efficiency is vital; if a suspect is not apprehended within four days, the likelihood of recovery decreases as items are often traded for drugs. In areas like Welkom, housebreaking dockets are often closed within 24 hours if no leads exist to prevent them from remaining "hanging" indefinitely. Command and Control: Commanders were reminded that the "ABC of investigation" is to provide oversight, guide investigators, and demand feedback rather than performing the groundwork themselves. Branch Commanders from Trompsburg, Smithfield, Zastron, Edenburg, Petrusburg, Koffiefontein, Jagersfontein, Luckhoff, Reddersburg, Rouxville, Springfontein, Fauresmith, Philippolis, and Jacobsdal were given the opportunity to present their unit's performance and elaborate on specific challenges. Common issues raised included system difficulties and the need for better involvement from external stakeholders and sister departments. Colonel Van der Merwe noted that the province has 156 "wanted" suspects, but commended the district for keeping its numbers relatively low. He instructed stations to list their most-wanted suspects for immediate attention. He also thanked the district for the efficient completion of "96s," noting that the district has maintained a consistent standard in this regard. Brigadier Els concluded by mentioning that the team will have the opportunity to provide further inputs and address outstanding struggles tomorrow. The first day of the session was concluded successfully. Ends
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