Headlines

FIGHTING CRIME TOGETHER

7 June 2019 · Platinum Bushvelder

Northam – Representatives of the Department of Rural Safety, the Northam South African Police Services (SAPS), Heritage Protection Group (HPG), Bushveld Rural Protection (BRP), and local farmers converged on 3 June to put heads together to fight and prevent crime.

One of the main concerns raised was the lack of manpower noticed at the Northam police station.

Northam SAPS lieutenant commander, lieutenant colonel Jeffrey Ramatsitsi agreed, saying:

“Northam community has grown to such an extent that our police officers are unable to attend to several crime scenes at the same time.”

Northam farmers are working hand-in-hand with the Northam SAPS and other stakeholders to prevent and fight crime.

Johan Young, representative of HPG and BRP, commented that it is frustrating to contact the police between 12am and 5am, with either no answer, no officers or vehicles available.

That is why a group of community members joined as reservists to be deployed in Northam, equipped with police uniforms and training.

The meeting also focused on open communication between all stakeholders, CCTV cameras, stock theft, and a possible K9 unit.

In deep discussion to find solutions.

Back from left: Frik Kruger from Wildebeeslaagte, Braam Venter from De Put, and Juan Earle from Kransberg. Front: Johan Young of HPG and BRP.

Back from left: Frik Kruger from Wildebeeslaagte; Johan Young of HPG and BRP; Braam Venter from De Put; Juan Earle from Kransberg and SAPS representative Jeanette Diloane.
Front from left: sergeant Morris Chuene; station commander of Northam SAPS, lieutenant colonel Jeffrey Ramatsitsi; and SAPS representative Ramalete Mooka.