Strengthening partnership policing, establishing the community based crime prevention structures, building trust and improving Police-relations, these are just some of the interventions and solutions discussed during an engagement by the Limpopo SAPS management and the community of Kopermyn and the surrounding areas, today.

The functionary, the Deputy Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Limpopo responsible for Corporate Services, Major General Christine Morakaladi accompanied by the Deputy Provincial Commissioner responsible for Crime Detection, Major General Samuel Manala, today, on Wednesday 16 March 2022, hosted an Imbizo at Kopermyn Sports Ground in Ga-Maja village in the Lebowakgomo policing area outside the City of Polokwane under Capricorn District with various community structures including the Community Policing Forums, Youth Against Crime, the Religious Groups, Traditional leaders, Business Forums with the aim to discuss all categories of crime especially the Gender Based Violence and Femicide, the mob attacks and killings and find solutions on how the police and the community can work together to curb it.

In attendance, were also Kgoshigadi Maja of Babina Phuti Traditional Authority, the Saps District Commissioner of Vhembe Major General Eddie van der Walt, the Acting District Commissioner of Capricorn Brigadier Naledzani Sivhula, the Provincial Heads, the Station Commanders, the Provincial Chairperson of Women’s Network Brigadier Marry Mashila, Provincial Chairperson of Men for Change Lieutenant Colonel Remmonejesu Sekgotha, several other members of the Saps management ,Saps members and personnel, the Saps brass band, Community Policing Forum, Youth Against Crime and the sister Government Department representatives such as Education and Community Safety.

Recently, the Capricorn District has been confronted by a spate of mob attacks and killings and Gender Based Violence, as a result, the management saw it necessary to visit Lebowakgomo policing area because it is one of the areas mostly affected by these issues including stock theft and substance abuse.

The main event was preceded by a courtesy visit to Kgoshi Maja, Babina Phuti Traditional Authority, followed by a briefing session at Mahwibitswane High School which was conducted by Major General Manala.

The Saps Chaplain, Captain Sefora opened the main event with the scripture reading and prayer. The representative from the Babina Phuti Traditional Authority welcomed the attendees. Major General Manala then outlined the purpose of the gathering.

The Youth Against Crime, Community Policing Forum, Men for Change, Women’s Network, the Department of Education and Community Safety, were amongst the representatives who gave messages of support.

The need for a Satellite Police Station, poor response to complaints especially Domestic violence by the local Police Station and lack of resources are some of the issues that were raised by the local community. The panellists led by Major General Manala tackled the questions and concerns which were responded accordingly.

In her keynote address, the Deputy Provincial Commissioner, Major General Morakaladi, cautioned members of the community against the continuous acts of mob attacks, killings and vigilantism. She said, “We cannot afford to live in the society where violence is the solution to our problems, citing an incident that took place in this area, where a young woman lost her life in the hands of a partner who subsequently lost his life in the hands of the community during 2021 September”.

“We can make better choices as the society and ensure that crime doesn’t happen in our name and Gender based violence has no room in our society. Men should change their behaviour towards women. Violence is a blight in our society and it requires a systematic and multifaceted response. Moreover, we should establish community based crime prevention structures in order to ensure that we have prompt, effective and efficient response time to complaints and that people act within the confines of law”.

Major General Morakaladi further highlighted the importance of brand marking and looking after the livestock by members of the community before she concluded her speech.

The Acting District Commissioner of the Saps Capricorn, Brigadier Sivhula rendered the vote of thanks while the Saps brass band continued entertaining the audience with their melodious performances.

Source: South African Police Service