Newly appointed Mitchell’s Plain police station commander has implored the community to unite in the fight against crime.
Brigadier Jan Alexander flanked by Mitchell’s Plain Community Police Forum (CPF) chairman Norman Jantjes and station visible police head Colonel Jacobus Phillip Fredericks, held two imbizos last week in Tafelsig and Portland.
He said what he has learned from gang-infested areas, like Steenberg where previously he headed that precinct, was that the community were divided.
“We will have to go to the level of the community and make sure we reunite the community,” he said.
Speaking at the imbizo in Tafelsig on Wednesday December 7, he explained that gangsters stood together and that was what the community needed to do.
“There is no time to allow for divisions,” he said.
Brigadier Alexander who started on Tuesday November 29 (“Police station get a new commander … again”, Plainsman December 7) said first on his agenda was to build a very strong partnership with the community.
“Now is the time that we must stand together,” he said.
Representatives from the departments of health and social development were also present.
Brigadier Alexander also called on other government tiers and departments to come together to have an integrated zero tolerance approach to crime.
During both meetings residents raised the issue of mistrust.
They had reportedly gone to the police station to report corruption and misconduct by police but were threatened.
Catherine Manes, from Kapteinsklip informal settlement, asked how she supposed to build a relationship with police if she did not trust them.
“They are not really there when I need them to protect me. I must be scared to inform SAPS of the wrong I see. I’m not sure whether he is on the (gang) payroll. He goes to say and who says they come to me and they target,” she said, adding that this had happened to her.
Brigadier Alexander replied that trust needed to be earned.
“But we have to start somewhere. Consider reporting it to me,” he said.
Ashley Potts, councillor for Ward 81, including Rocklands, Westgate and Westridge, said there was always a desire to work very closely with a safety network.
“We rely not only on SAPS but we rely more upon you the safety block watches and street patrollers.
“You are the guys who are actually making the impact to turn things around.
“My plea is to grow these numbers. Get more people to take the mantel and to run with it.
“The more of us the more we are able to start pushing crime out of our areas. Let us continue to serve,” he said.
Mr Potts saluted the CPF and neighbourhood watch members for keeping the community, their neighbours’ homes and the youth safe.
Lastly he pleaded with those present not to “worry about titles”.
“Keep going. Trust them (leaders). Continue to serve in the position that you are in,” said Mr Potts.
Brigadier Alexander said they would be planning a community mobilisation, with the sector commander and the chairperson.
“I will avail myself to walk the streets.
“The community must help me to close those gaps,” he said.
• Residents can also anonymously report extortion or protection fee requests by calling the hotline on 021 466 0011.
