4 May 2007
The Ministry for Safety and Security in conjunction with the South African
Police Service (SAPS) have honoured a group of dedicated elderly women and men,
who have heeded the call to 'Mobilise Communities Against Crime' in their
areas, this morning in Central Western Jabavu, Soweto.
This initiative was started approximately three years ago, during a meeting
between the Moroka SAPS Social Crime Prevention Unit and the communities who
are resident in eleven townships (that is, White City/Jabavu; Mofolo
Central/South/North; Senaoane; Phiri; Mapetla; Chiawelo; Dlamini 1-5;
Moroka/Rockville and Molapo) within Soweto. In total, the group has about 150
members (ages ranging from 50 to almost 80 years). Of particular interest, is
the number of youths that are already joining, to act against crime.
When patrolling their immediate neighbourhoods, these group members are
easily recognizable by their distinctive accessorial attire. They carry
vuvuzelas (a notable feature at most soccer matches) and whistles. As and when
an emergency situation arises, measures are in place to urgently summon a
reactive police unit to the affected area. As a result, crime levels have
notably subsided.
The SAPS has and continues to call upon various communities nationwide, to
effectively partner the police in the fight against crime. The Honourable
Minister for Safety and Security, Mr Charles Nqakula and the Provincial
Commissioner: Gauteng province, Commissioner Perumal Naidoo, both reiterated
this call during their address to a thousand plus people, gathered at the
Central Western Jabavu Sports Grounds early this morning.
Already our efforts are coming to fruition. There are strong partnerships
with big businesses, institutions of higher learning, schools, faith-based
religious denominations, music and media houses, members of various communities
through Community Policing Forums (CPFs), Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs)
and other government departments. This is a well co-ordinated effort by various
stakeholders who have one common goal: to make South Africa a safe and secure
place for all.
As we are commending the much appreciated efforts of our elderly within our
midst today, we urge our youth to take a leaf out of this noble exercise, and
continue to rise against crime and criminality.
For further information, please contact:
Captain Percy Morokane
National Spokesperson
South African Police Service
Cell: 082 778 5602
Ms Noxolo Kweza
Spokesperson
Ministry for Safety and Security
Cell: 082 300 0531
Issued by: Ministry for Safety and Security
4 May 2007
