At an integrated Blue Downs cluster operation conducted on Thursday in Eerste River, deputy cluster commander Brigadier Hendrik Jansen addressed the cluster’s officers regarding their conduct when interacting with local residents during the festive season.
Officers hailing from, among others, Kuils River, Kleinvlei, Bellville South, Belhar, Mfuleni and Delft police stations, stood at attention as Jansen addressed them regarding executing their duties within the confines of the police code of conduct.
“The manner and attitude in which officers approach citizens must be professional. We are called to execute our duties without fear or favour and citizens must know that we are there for them, while criminals must fear us,” said Jansen.
“By portraying respect to our local residents, we will improve the relationship between ourselves and the community.”
The cluster’s first focus area, as the festive season approaches, is armed robberies at malls, with specific focus being given to Soneike Mall, Zevenwacht Mall, 1st River Mall and Delft Mall.
“The community also has a role to play, as the local neighbourhood watches will conduct joint patrols with the police.”
Jansen identified gangsterism and liquor-related crimes as major problems within the cluster.
“In terms of gangsterism, we are making inroads, as we have managed to clamp down on organised crime and our stations are working with the newly deployed Anti-Gang Unit,” explained Jansen.
In terms of liquor-related crime, Jansen shared that many murders, attempted murders and robberies stem from the abuse of liquor. “We also want to rid the community of illegal firearms and we urge residents to come forward should they have any information which could assist us in taking them off the streets,” implored Jansen.
He confirmed that police have a reward system in place and are willing to reward residents for bringing in illegal firearms and drugs. “This reward system is available at any station and residents need only speak to a detective to access the necessary information regarding the system,” he said.
“We need the assistance and support of the community in terms of alerting us of crime within the area. Residents are not required to identify themselves and can call our direct cluster operation room, which will alert our specific response team,” explained Jansen. The direct numbers are 021 909 3840 and 021 909 9538.
The Blue Downs cluster Community Policing Forum (CPF) chairperson, Reginald Maart, said the integrated operation served as a means of making the community aware of the presence of the police. “It is important that police be visible within the community,” said Maart. “That is why we came together here to do the briefing and then deploy the officers into the area.”
