Driving crime out: New vehicles boost Northern Cape community policing

THE FIGHT against crime in the Northern Cape received a boost as four brand-new police vehicles were handed over to Community Policing Forums (CPFs) across the province. 

Provincial police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Thabo Litabe said that the handover ceremony, held at the Kimberley police station on March 14, marked a significant step in strengthening community-police partnerships and enhancing public safety.

The vehicles were allocated to the Pixley ka Seme, John Taolo Gaetsewe, ZF Mgcawu and Namakwa District Community Policing Boards. This initiative forms part of a broader effort to improve community policing, which relies on collaboration between law enforcement and local residents to address crime and safety concerns more effectively.

The Northern Cape provincial commissioner, Lieutenant-General Koliswa Otola, spearheaded the handover, accompanied by senior police officials, including the deputy provincial commissioner for Policing, Major-General Keagekae Besnaar, and the provincial head for Proactive Policing, Brigadier Irene Kopeledi. Also present were CPF representatives, as well as the Northern Cape Provincial CPF Board chairperson, Tebogo Molapo, his executive members, and district CPF representatives.

The deployment of these vehicles is expected to bolster visibility and responsiveness in crime-prone areas, supporting the national 2030 Vision to create safer communities free from fear. The initiative aims to ensure that CPF members can better assist the police in patrolling neighbourhoods, addressing community concerns, and deterring criminal activities.

Lieutenant-General Otola urged CPF representatives to use the vehicles responsibly, emphasising that they are designated for service delivery and crime prevention initiatives. She encouraged CPF members to work closely with police officers to maintain the vehicles and maximise their impact on crime-fighting efforts.

The introduction of these new resources signals a proactive commitment to community-driven policing, reinforcing the vital role that CPFs play in building safer and more secure neighbourhoods across the Northern Cape.