Empangeni crime crackdown
'We must have a forum with private security companies and CPF members every month to discuss crime'
‘We are going to crack down on crime in this town.’
And to ensure action backs up new Empangeni SAPS Station Commander Brigadier Jeros Thango’s stated commitment of stemming the tide of crime, Empangeni police, in conjunction with private security companies, Business Against Crime and uMhlathuze Traffic Department, launched a crime fighting operation on the R34 and R102 on Friday. More than 100 vehicles and 400 people were searched and 23 summonses issued during the operation.
The initiative was motivated by Police Minister Fikile Mbalula’s instruction that all police stations are to strengthen bonds with external law enforcement agencies such as private security companies and Community Policing Forums (CPFs) to ensure more effective policing.
Since taking over as Empangeni Station Commander in June, Brigadier Thango has had a positive, hands-on approach to deal with crime in the area.
‘We must have a forum with private security companies and CPF members every month to discuss crime. This is a national instruction directly from the Police Minister himself.
‘When I initially arrived here we received at least four reports a day. We are now down to one report every few days.
PHOTO: Orrin Singh
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‘This is because we are stationing vehicles at hot spots to ensure that we curb crime,’ said Thango.
‘To turn things around, community involvement is of utter importance.’
South Africa’s private security sector is among the largest in the world, with more than 9 000 registered companies in operation.
Bridging the gap between public and private entities has long been touted as an effective means of providing better services to the public.
Preggie Vandayar of Vandamme Security Services has offered to fully support the Empangeni police.
‘This is a way of us giving back to the community because they employ us to protect them and their homes,’ said Vandayar.
Mike Patterson of Business Against Crime said this kind of cooperation was long overdue.
‘We need to work together. The SAPS can’t be everywhere all the time and obviously there are many security companies and CPF members who can lend support to
the police,’ he said
Statistics
Immense pressure has been placed on police in the region to curb crime and ensure the safety of communities.
Statistics published by Crime Stats SA clearly illustrates the need for effective strategies.
In 2015 6 867 cases of crime in the Empangeni, Ngwelezana and Matshana areas were recorded.
This figure increased to 7 696 cases last year, while eShowe and Richards Bay were also highlighted as crime hot spots.
There is also talks of a house-breaking task team being formed to further step up the fight against crime.
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