The Boksburg police held their Sector One imbizo on October 19 in the parking lot in front of Boksburg Magistrate’s Court, but they were disappointed at the poor turnout from members of the public.
Sector One comprises areas such as Plantation, Boksburg CBD, Boksburg East and Boksburg South.
According to Boksburg SAPS communications officer Const Ntsako Ledwaba, the meeting was aimed at enhancing community relations and policing.
“We are disappointed at the turnout because we expected a large number of people to attend the meeting so that they can raise their grievances that they might have against the police or share any input.
“The meeting was important because we share safety tips as well as insights and solutions to crime,” Ledwaba said.
Although there was a poor turnout, the meeting went ahead as scheduled, with various speakers addressing the attendees.
Francois van Heerden from the CPF encouraged the community to be the eyes and ears of the police on the ground and to report any suspicious activities they see taking place in their areas.
“When you see criminals breaking into your neighbour’s house, don’t just keep quiet. Report the incident immediately to make the police’s job easier to apprehend the suspects.”
Van Heerden said more people are joining the CPF.
“We have recently established a community policing forum in Plantation. We also have one in Boksburg East, but, unfortunately, in the Boksburg CBD we don’t have a forum because residents are still dragging their feet. With the CPF being active in four sectors, we have managed to successfully decrease crime,” van Heerden said.
Frikkie Klopper from Graphite Security encouraged the community to mobilise each other in order to work hand in hand with security companies and the police to fight crime.
Boksburg SAPS volunteer Penny Thobejane called for the youth to volunteer at various police stations to halt crime and to participate in the SAPS Sports Against Crime events.
Ward 32 Clr Marius de Vos said malfunctioning street lights in Boksburg also contribute to the rise in criminal activities.
“Street lights in Boksburg East have been targeted. The metro thought that installing solar lights was a good thing, but those lights were stolen within a month after they were installed. So far no one has been charged or prosecuted; the intelligence failed us there.
“As police you need to be ahead of these criminals otherwise the community will lose faith in you,” de Vos said.
Boksburg SAPS station commander Col Daniel Baloyi revealed an overview of crimes in Boksburg and safety tips.
Baloyi highlighted that they’ve been engaging with the community in all sectors in order to understand and listen to their problems and together trying to find a solution.
“Crime is everywhere and it affects everyone, but when communities and the police work together we can conquer crime. Criminals are opportunists. They look for an opportunity, they don’t just attack.
“They study their victim and after that they check to see if the community is united or not. If they see that everyone is for himself, they strike. It’s important to care about one another and know each other as neighbours,” Baloyi said.
Baloyi commented that Boksburg CBD, Angelo, Sunward Park, Parkrand and Plantation are some of the crime hot spots.
“In terms of reported crimes, the Boksburg CBD is leading and many cases of murder are reported in Angelo. In Sunward Park we see burglary cases and car hijacking cases being reported.
“We have dedicated vehicles to work in Sunward Park to reduce crime. In Parkrand we have managed to tone down the crime rate. Plantation has been quiet for a very long time, but now it seems criminals are now targeting that area.
“Boksburg East, Farrar Park, Cinderella, Freeway Park and other areas are still under control,” Baloyi said.
He advised people not to drive with their belongings lying visible on the driver’s seat.
He also urged motorists to be aware where they park their vehicles and that they should befriend car guards who are always aware of situations.
A resident from Plantation complained about illegal immigrants who are living in a block of flats and who allegedly dump rubbish across the street under a no-dumping sign and throw empty beer bottles into their yards.
