Princess and Davidsonville communities participate in sector meetings
The next public meeting will be announced soon
Community members from Davidsonville and Princess were part of the public meeting held by Roodepoort Police’s Sector 2.
The Sector Manager, Warrant Officer Loots, was joined by other roleplayers from the police station, members of the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department, Community Policing Forum (CPF) as well as the councillor for Ward 71, René Benjamin.
According to Captain Juanita Yorke, the Roodepoort Police spokesperson, the meeting addressed a variety of issues, including safety, visibility, drug raids, speeding in suburban areas, driving under the influence of alcohol, learners not attending school, the crime rate, and illegal shebeens making a noise at night and not adhering to closing times.
In Davidsonville, other issues like street lighting, water issues and the difference between the relevant departments and what each one’s responsibilities are were dealt with. “Princess residents were informed about proper response times and the correct channel of communication,” Yorke said.
The role of the CPF was also discussed during the meetings, and Yorke highlighted a few important tips for the CPF to be successful:
• Identifying crime hotspots and informing police about problems
• Reporting any information on wanted suspects and illegal firearms
• Visiting schools with the police to speak to learners and teachers
• Running mediation and awareness campaigns on the community’s role in fighting crime
• Mobilising civil society organisations to become active members of the CPF
• Supporting the police in crime prevention initiatives
• Monitoring police service delivery
• Providing possible solutions or alternatives to constantly strengthen partnerships and improve service delivery
“Community participation and support in the fight against crime can save lives,” said Yorke.
The meeting was concluded with feedback to the community, as well as matters pertaining to the criminal justice system, being discussed.
Community members were urged to report all criminals and their activities anonymously to Crime Stop; 08600 10111 or 10111.
“The next meeting will be announced soon,” Yorke concluded.
