Community policing strategy launched

THE NORTHERN Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant-general Risimati Shivuri, together with the Provincial Community Board of the Community Police, launched the Northern Cape community policing strategy at Nonzwakazi Stadium in De Aar on Saturday.

The provincial launch follows the launch of the community policing strategy by the National Police Commissioner, General Khehla Sitole, in Soweto in October last year as part of the police’s turnaround strategy to promote community policing forum programmes and community participation in fighting crime and reclaiming the safety of the streets.

The event kicked off with a procession led by the SAPS band, SANDF, Mounted unit, SAPS members and Traffic and Correctional Services officers, while the Pixley ka Seme Cluster drill platoon displayed their drill skills before the commencement of the formal programme.

The event also follows after President Cyril Ramaphosa set aside R1.1 billion to fight incidences of genderbased violence.

Shivuri pledged his support for the “Community in Blue Patrollers”, which he believed would further assist the police in preventing and investigating crime.

Commitment

During his address, the head of the provincial Department of Transport, Safety and Liaison, Moeketsi Dichaba, also made a commitment to ensure the safety of all citizens and condemned the recent spate of hideous crimes committed against women and children.

Various awareness campaigns will be launched by the department to address elderly abuse, human trafficking, gender-based violence and substance abuse.