The SAPS Ekurhuleni Central Cluster and the provincial CPF have launched the ‘Sekwanele – Not in my name’ project, aimed at facilitating ongoing engagement with the community in combating crime.
The cluster consists of 11 police stations – Actonville, Benoni, Boksburg, Boksburg North, Brakpan, Crystal Park, Dalpark, Daveyton, Etwatwa, Putfontein and Reiger Park.
The launch took place at the Antioch Church in Villa Liza.
It was attended by representatives from the 11 stations, members from Correctional Services, Provincial CPF board chairman Thokozani Masilela, Ekurhuleni Central Cluster deputy commander Brigadier Thabo Mphuthi, Ekurhuleni central board chairperson Dr Reza Patel and CPF members.
Sekwanele (‘enough’) will focus on mobilising the community to take part in policing forums at all stations.
According to Patel, the project will involve new ways of engaging the community in local crime prevention activities, in order to increase participation levels and improve perceptions of safety among residents and visitors.
“Concepts such as the ‘sports for action’ programme and ‘clap and trap’ form part of this ‘whole-of-community’ approach, which will require greater partnerships to facilitate the creation of safer environments within an affordable range of resources,” Patel said.
“Through planned events, activities, networks and engagement forums, the cluster is provided with many opportunities for communicating messages back into the community.
“All the stations will work together in empowering communities to take an active role in the development of living in a safer environment.”
Patel stressed the project will harness the enthusiasm and commitment of local communities in adding value to CPF programmes and driving sustainable grassroots-level changes to behaviour and safety perceptions.
“The project will prioritise social crime prevention approaches that support action in addressing socio-economic factors, such as disengagement and unemployment, which are correlated with incidence of crime,” he said.
Mphuthi said: “Crime affects us all, and we have all had enough.
“I appeal to elders to allow children to take part in the programme as a means to keep busy and stay out of trouble.
“To the CPF members, I say be active and go the extra mile when doing your work, because you are making the place where you live a more peaceful area,” she said.
