The ZF Mgcawu (ZFM) District hosted the Provincial Community Imbizo on behalf of the provincial commissioner of the SAPS, Lieutenant-General Koliswa Otola, in Kakamas this week.
THE ZF MGCAWU (ZFM) District hosted the Provincial Community Imbizo on behalf of the provincial commissioner of the SAPS, Lieutenant-General Koliswa Otola, in Kakamas this week.
Attendees included the deputy provincial commissioner for Policing, Major-General Luntu Ngubelanga, along with the acting district commissioner of the ZFM District, Brigadier Monica Sebili, provincial heads, station commanders, and the district community CPF chairperson, Clement Baai. Representatives from various government departments and entities were also present.
Northern Cape police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Sergio Kock said the imbizo, which was held at Kakamas Primary School on July 11, provided a platform for community engagement, addressing concerns and solutions.
The opening devotion was led by Pastor Jeremiah Schwartz, and the welcoming remarks were given by ward councillor Ryan Saal.
Sebili outlined the purpose of the engagement and the imbizo panel was introduced. The panel included SAPS management, the Speaker of the ZFM District, the local mayor, ward councillors, representatives from various government departments (such as Justice, Social Development, Transport, Safety and Liaison, Labour, Education, Home Affairs and Health), the Northern Cape Liquor and Gambling boards, Sassa, religious fraternals, and the district Community Police Forum (CPF).
Ngubelanga emphasised the importance of partnership policing in combating crime and welcomed community members and stakeholders to assist the police.
Ngubelanga also addressed the impact of drug and alcohol abuse, particularly among youth, encouraging collaboration with SAPS to address these social challenges.
Efforts to combat contact crimes, including GBVF offences, were discussed during the engagement, providing a platform for community members and relevant stakeholders to deliberate on concerns and formulate solutions .
During the question and answer session, community members raised their issues and concerns, and the panellists addressed each one.
The imbizo concluded with a vote of thanks from ZFM District CPF chairperson, Clement Baai.
A Community Imbizo was held in the Pixley ka Seme District in June and the remaining three districts will follow suit after this week’s event in ZFM.
