DESPITE a decrease in crime according to statistics presented by the SAPS, the Empangeni Community Policing Forum (CPF) is still struggling to get people to attend their monthly meetings.
‘Crime in our community is fluctuating; at times it is high and at other times, low. Currently we are at a better level than we were last year this time. However, the aim is not to lower the rate of crime but completely eradicate it within our town,’ said Empangeni CPF Chairperson Zilindile Masango.
‘Criminals come from homes; they have families, friends and neighbours. This means one way or another, we are related to a criminal and, if we work together to rehabilitate members of society, we can, in turn, do away with crime.
‘Lets us make the SAPS our friends through the CPF and be informed about crime related issues and be aware of the assistance available. After all, our motto is, ‘Together Fighting Crime’ added Masango.
According to Empangeni SAPS Warrant Officer Thulani Mthiyane, theft out of and from motor vehicles and residential burglary is still a concern.
‘In comparison to July 2013 stats, there has been a 50% decrease in residential burglary and a 60% decrease in theft out of and from motor vehicles.’ he said.
‘We have assembled a task team and deployed more patrol vehicles to most of the affected areas. Ultimately, police stats matter. In order for action to be taken, the community needs to report crimes. The higher the stats, the more resources are allocated to the station to alleviate crime.
‘We work according to stats, not social media posts. On behalf of the SAPS, I urge all community members to report all crimes, even attempted crimes,’ said Mthiyane.
The Empangeni CPF meets at the Empangeni Civic Centre every third Tuesday of the month at 5.30pm.
