Several high-ranking role-players in the safety and security industry met at an Imbizo held in Bothasig recently where Anroux Marais,Western Cape Minister for Police Oversight and Community Safety, addressed those in attendance.
Marais was joined by the local Ward councillor, Miquette Temlett, Bothasig Community Policing Forum (CPF) and Bothasig Police Station Commander, Lt Col Jeremy Pieterse to name a few.
The event was organised by the Bothasig CPF and Mario Borchards, CPF chair, says it brought together residents, community safety partners, and law enforcement for open and constructive dialogue on pressing safety matters.
Discussion
He says the CPF was commended for its ongoing efforts in fostering trust and cooperation between the community and Bothasig police by minister Marais.
One of the highlights of the afternoon was an informative presentation on the issue of rough sleepers, delivered by Riana de Wet and Paul Kruger from Monte Vista. Their insights shed light on the complexities surrounding homelessness and its link to community safety concerns, says Borchards.
He says representatives from the Edgemead and Bothasig Neighbourhood Watches provided detailed feedback on crime trends in their respective suburbs. Bothasig police and the Tygerberg Sub-district also shared valuable data on precinct-wide trends. Burglaries and theft out of motor vehicles were identified as standout crimes in Bothasig, prompting renewed calls for vigilance and preventive measures, Borchards explains.
“The event underscored the importance of collaboration, with residents encouraged to remain actively involved in community safety initiatives. The CPF reaffirmed its commitment to keeping communication lines open and working alongside law enforcement to ensure a safer environment for all,” Borchards says.
Continued support
Kurt Nefdt, community outreach officer to Marais, says the event was a great opportunity for the ministry to show support for the CPF’s ongoing work to build stronger relationships between the community and the Bothasig police. He says Marais was especially encouraged by the passion and commitment shown by the neighbourhood watches in the area.
“It is clear that local safety structures are stepping up and taking the lead on safety efforts despite the resource challenges faced by Bothasig police,” he says.
The discussions on the day, he says, focused on several key areas, including how neighbourhood watches are tackling specific safety concerns in their areas; partnerships between residents, the police and private security; the resource limitations at Bothasig Police Station and what is being done to address those challenges.
Grateful
Nefdt also says it was inspiring to see such active community involvement, and that the minister is looking forward to continuing to support initiatives by the CPF to improve the policing experience for the people of Bothasig and surrounding communities.
Temlett on her part says the purpose of the gathering was to strengthen collaboration between government, law enforcement, the police and the community on matters of safety and wellbeing.
“While I had hoped to see greater community attendance, I remain encouraged by the strong presence and commitment of our neighbourhood watches, CPF, police and security stakeholders.
“These engagements are essential, not just for sharing crime statistics, but for having real conversations about safety challenges and finding practical, collective solutions.
“I am especially grateful to those who prioritised the event and made their voices heard,” she says.
The meeting was held on Saturday 2 August at the Brenda Slabbert Clubhouse in Bothasig.
