The Office of the Northern Cape Provincial Commissioner recently hosted a community imbizo at the Colesberg Town Hall, bringing together key stakeholders to address pressing concerns.
THE OFFICE of the Northern Cape Provincial Commissioner recently hosted a community imbizo at the Colesberg Town Hall, bringing together key stakeholders to address pressing concerns.
Provincial police spokesperson Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said the event saw attendance from provincial and district SAPS management, local government officials, and representatives from provincial and district Community Police Forums (CPFs). Among the notable figures present were the executive mayor of the Pixley ka Seme District Municipality, UR Itumeneng, and the local mayor of Umsobomvu Municipality, MS Toto.
Major-General Nomana Mtukushe, the Pixley ka Seme district commissioner, outlined the imbizo’s purpose: to listen to and address community concerns.
The negative impacts of substance and alcohol abuse on the community, particularly among the youth, were highlighted by the executive mayor during his address. He stressed the need for strong partnerships between the SAPS and the community.
Representing the provincial commissioner, Major-General Jacques Raymond, the acting deputy provincial commissioner for Crime Detection, emphasised the importance of partnership policing. The collective goal is to reclaim the streets and hold perpetrators accountable.
Raymond also reaffirmed that tackling contact crimes remains a priority for the SAPS, with efforts under Operation Shanela focusing on addressing rape, murder, and gender-based violence and femicide-related offences.
Ehlers said the imbizo was a platform for community members, law enforcement and other relevant stakeholders to come together to deliberate on concerns and formulate solutions. During the engagement, community members raised various issues and shared their concerns, fostering collaboration and dialogue.
A collaborative panel, including SAPS management, the executive mayor, the local mayor, representatives from various provincial departments (such as Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs, Social Development, Correctional Services, and Justice), the Northern Cape Liquor Board, and the Community Police Forum, actively engaged with the community to address their concerns.
According to Ehlers, these community engagements will persist across all five districts in the Northern Cape, providing a platform for addressing community concerns and offering feedback on raised issues.
