The Rietgat SAPS, Office of the MEC for Community Safety in Gauteng, and the Community Policing Forum together with patrollers in the precinct turned Batho Plaza into a hive of activities to raise awareness on crime this morning.
About 40 patrollers clad in their regalia took part in raising awareness of crimes gripping the Rietgat SAPS precinct. The Batho Plaza Shopping Centre was picked since it’s the shopping hub for most parts of Jukulyn which contributes to high volumes of crime in the policing area of Rietgat.
About 1500 pamphlets on carjacking, house robbery, drugs, gender-based violence and femicide as well as mob violence were distributed to the inhabitants of the precinct.
Shoppers who walked in and those who were driving into the centre, were warned about the prevalent crimes in the area and were also informed to call the Station Commander of Rietgat, Brigadier Molatelo Maphoto if they have any information on crime happening in the area.
Most Shoppers appreciated the effort and vowed to take heed of the information on the pamphlets. Ms. Nthabiseng Sekwati said such awareness campaigns should spread across the country to enlighten all and sundry. “I wish these initiatives could touch every part of South Africa so that everyone can know these tips to reduce the level of crime in the country, ” said Nthabiseng.
Another member of the community who spoke on condition of anonymity told law enforcers that they must also look within themselves and stop looking beyond the horizons for criminals. “As the police, you must start by cleaning your own house before going out to the streets to look for criminals, ” said anonymous.
Tenants in a form of Store Managers in the centre, also appreciated the initiative and promised to assist patrollers with some necessities while patrolling their shops.
The following numbers can be called for swift response, Client Service Centre (CSC) at 071 675 6250 or Station Commander Brigadier Maphoto at 824558236 or MYSAPS APP downloadable for free on Playstore or Istore.