The Heilbron SAPS’ Social Crime Prevention in partnership with Community Police Forum (CPF) held an imbizo on Thursday, 24 March, to launch a fight against criminal activities within Heilbron.
According to the SA Police Service, a number of problematic crimes were at the forefront during this imbizo.
Social Crime Prevention Coordinator Sgt Sibongile Molapisi with Intern Nthabiseng Thapedi addressed a crowd of about 70 community members who attended the imbizo in Sector 5 in Moherepa vicinity, Phiritona.
Crimes that came on top of the agenda, were domestic violence related issues, burglary at residential premises, stock theft and illegal hunting.
Sgt Molapisi implored community members to have healthy relationships in their families members and love affairs to avoid domestic violence related incidences such as rape, assaults and malicious damage to property.
Molapisi strongly emphasised that the police have discovered that alcohol abuse contribute to these worrisome crimes.
Furthermore the issue of stock theft and illegal hunting with dogs were highlighted.
“Stock theft was condemned as it destroys the rural economy as livestock stock farming employs and maintains food security for the people of Heilbron and beyond,” revealed police spokesperson captain Malebo Khosana.
Addressing attendees, Molapisi said illegal hunting is a threat to extinction of wildlife as hunters carelessly kill wild animals.
She also pointed out that tresspass cases are reported as the illegal hunters do not request permission to hunt in private lands.
On burglary at premises she advised community members to watch each others’ property in the absence of the other.
“They must also report any suspicious person in their neighborhood so that the police can attend and proactively deal with would-be criminals, said Molapisi.
“CPF Chairperson Mr Tshepo Mazibuko recruited community members to form part of CPF by assuming positions in the Sector Committes.
“He emphasized the importance of the role they will play to curb crime in their immediate environment for their own safety,” Khosana added.
While many residents were concerned about the increase in contact and gender-based violence related crimes, some community members also spoke out about their security concerns.
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