GQEBERHA – Improving levels of safety is key in the creation of a safer and resilient society, therefore in order to achieve this, the focus need to move towards a police-community orientated partnership.
The compounding impact of implementing social crime prevention initiatives by various stakeholders will definitely have a positive influence on the levels of safety within communities.
During the Easter weekend, several projects were held by police and Community Policing Forums (CPFs) across the Nelson Mandela Bay District empowering communities to work in partnership with police in creating a safer community.
On Monday, 18 April 2022, SAPS Gelvandale, their CPF, the NMB District CPF, the Gelvandale Pastoral Forum, local councillor and NGO’s embarked on a prayer service visiting the hotspot areas within their policing precinct. Intense messages were preached and powerful prayers delivered to the residents of Barcelona and Helenvale. The Gelvandale Pastoral Forum (all religious fraternities) and mentioned stakeholders called on communities to help rid their areas of crime and criminality that is plaguing their society. The multi-faceted team marched through the streets handing out flyers and Easter eggs to residents. Prayer meetings were conducted in open spaces in these areas.
Four families that have lost innocent loved ones through gang violence were presented with bouquets by the CPF and candles were lit in their memories symbolising their precious lives. The CPF District Chairperson, Mr Ayanda Gcakasi appealed to residents to stop harbouring criminals and to report them. ‘Innocent lives are lost in gang warfare and it is very depressing when children are targeted in these senseless shootings. I urge the community of Helenvale to protect our young ones and future leaders by breaking the silence and to help the police solve their cases by arresting and sending those responsible for these callous killings to jail so that our children can once again play in their yards and streets,’ pleaded Mr Gcakasi.
Due to the recent spate of murders that took place in the Walmer location, the NMB District CPF and the SAPS joined the Walmer residents in a day of ‘Sport Against Crime’ at a soccer tournament near Walmer location. While police used this platform to urge the youth to steer away from getting involved in criminal activities, the community was also addressed to work with the police and not to ‘turn a blind eye’ to criminals living among them. Acting Nelson Mandela Bay District Commissioner, Brig Thandiswa Kupiso reassured the community that, “We are here to ensure their safety and this can only be achieved if they (community) choose to work with the police and to report criminals that are instilling fear and running amok in their location.”
Several police stations including, SAPS Mount Road, Bethesldorp, Algoa Park and Swartkops held similar events in their areas. The generosity of businesses in donating Easter eggs which were distributed to children, was highly appreciated.
Brig Kupiso expressed her gratitude to the station commanders and the various stakeholders for undertaking such positive initiatives which definitely had an impact in their respective communities. “The Provincial Commissioner, Lt Gen Mene’s five year strategic plan dubbed Operation Sikhona which means ‘we are here’ in serving our communities most certainly represents our commitment of reducing crime; eliminating the fear of crime and to create safer communities where freedom of movement can once again flourish. There is no ‘quick fix’ solution for reducing crime however the participative involvement and support from all sectors of society, working in unison with law enforcement will definitely contribute in reducing the levels of crime,” added Brig Kupiso.
Source: South African Police Service