SAPS hits the airwaves: Namakwa cops launch weekly radio ‘Meet and Greet’

IN A BID to strengthen trust and build lasting relationships with residents across the Namakwa District, the South African Police Service (SAPS) has launched a dynamic radio-based outreach initiative designed to put a human face to local policing.

The “Meet and Greet” project officially kicked off on June 10 with an introductory broadcast featuring Namakwa district commissioner Brigadier Schalk Andrews on community station Radio NFM. Now in its second week, the campaign has continued to gather momentum, with the station commander of Nababeep police station, Lieutenant-Colonel Siyabonga Mpofu, taking to the airwaves on June 17 to introduce himself to the community.

This weekly broadcast series forms part of a broader effort by SAPS to boost its public image, promote transparency, and make police leadership more accessible to the people they serve. Listeners are given the opportunity to learn more about their local station commanders and the work being done in their areas, with a clear call to action for residents to get involved in Community Policing Forums and take an active stand against crime.

The initiative is spearheaded by the district head of communication, Captain Ivan Magerman, and includes a challenge from the Namakwa leadership for the other four districts in the Northern Cape to launch similar community engagement efforts.

The SAPS is also encouraging all residents to report crime through the nearest police station, the Crime Stop number 08600 10111, or via the MySAPS app. All reports will be handled confidentially.

The “Meet and Greet” campaign continues every week on Radio NFM and aims to foster a culture of openness, trust, and mutual respect between law enforcement and the communities of Namakwa.