Kraaifontein residents raise safety concerns at community crime imbizo

• The Kraaifontein Spiritual Crime Prevention Forum held the first of five crime imbizos at Scottsville High, aiming to address local safety issues and police-community relations.
• Attendees voiced concerns about crime, police trust, and the future of the local Community Police Forum (CPF).
• Newly appointed police commander Brigadier John Alexander promised dedicated efforts to reduce crime and restore community trust.

A crime imbizo recenlty hosted by the Kraaifontein Spiritual Crime Prevention Forum (SCPF) at Scottsville High School discussed the overwhelmingly high crime rate in the suburb, touching on issues such as a loss of trust in the police, and the current CPF.

The event ushered in a series of crime imbizos to be held in Kraaifontein between now and January.

Projects Coordinator for the SCPF Reverend Tanelle Welff-Dixon says this event marked the first of five imbizo’s planned for the greater Kraaifontein, Wallacedene, and Bloekombos areas and is aimed at fostering dialogue between law enforcement and the community.

“The primary objectives were to introduce the newly appointed Kraaifontein Police Station Commander, Brig John Alexander, and to familiarise the community with the SCPF,” she adds.

Although the event was not well attended, those residents present voiced their concerns about crime and safety in their neighbourhoods.

With 36 years experience, with extensive service as a station commander, Alexander assured the community that he is prepared to tackle the high crime rates in Kraaifontein.

“Along with the community Kraaifontein police can administer a decisive blow against gangsterism and other serious crime,” he said while expressing to bring the same level of commitment he had at Robertson police to Kraaifontein.

While community turnout was lower than expected, significant issues were raised, including concerns about the local Community Police Forum (CPF), which has according to some members of the SCPF not been functioning for several years.

There was strong support for dissolving the current CPF and establishing a more effective structure.

The upcoming elections for a new CPF, planned for November, were considered a crucial topic of discussion. Organisations and interested individuals were encouraged to apply for membership to ensure a more representative and functional CPF.

CPF sub-district chair for the Tygerberg region, Rob Bisset, told TygerBurger that he is aware of internal issues around the Kraaifontein CPF, but there had been speculations about dissolving the current structure.

However, the new station commander, says Bisset, needs to hear out the current CPF committee before considering to support the decision to dissolve it.

Current acting chair for the CPF Arifa Osman declined to comment on the issue at hand, save to say: “The dissolution of the CPF is unconfirmed.

Changes in the community

Senior SCPF members Bishop Moos Magerman and Pastor Jakes de Wee were also present at the imbizo.

Pastor De Wee expressed enthusiasm about the high calibre of many of the attendees and called for real commitment to making meaningful changes in the community. Meanwhile, Bishop Magerman was critical of certain officials who had abused their powers, emphasizing the need for accountability and integrity.

Additional key topics discussed during the imbizo included the protection of whistle blowers, the importance of reporting all crimes, gender-based violence, gangsterism, substance abuse, and senior abuse.

The recent deaths at the KSE Old Age Home were highlighted as an urgent matter.

Scottsville High School principal, Henry Hockey, spoke at the event, addressing issues in the education sector. He urged Kraaifontein police to work more closely with all schools in the area to ensure the safety of learners at all times. He called for the strengthening of partnerships between the police and local schools.

The erosion of trust in Kraaifontein police was another prominent issue, with residents expressing frustration over corruption within the station.

Alexander however reassured attendees that he would take decisive action against corrupt officers to restore trust and integrity. He encouraged community members to report all criminal activities, especially police misconduct, directly to him.

Each imbizo will run from 14:00 to 17:00.