Baleka tsotsi, that is what the criminals in Langa will have to do when they see the police officers on the streets.
The newly appointed Langa Police Station commander Col Teboho Jacobs has made it his objective to clear the neighbourhood of criminals and ensure police visibility while strengthening local safety.
However, on top of the agenda is to sort out all the internal problems.
Jacobs joined Langa police on Monday 21 November from Parow Police Station where he was stationed for five years, between November 2017 and now.
Before moving to Parow, Jacobs worked as a station commander at Brandfort (in the Free State province) and Heidedal (also in the Free State).
In an interview with City Vision, he said his plans include building trust between the community and the police.
“I want to create a conducive environment for all the community stakeholders so that we can work together to fight crime.
“Police alone cannot win the battle against crime. We need the support of the community.
“We can only achieve that only if the officers can interact with the community regularly,” said Jacobs.
He added that as the police they should constantly engage the community to find out what was required for better policing in the area.
Jacobs urged the community not to hesitate to visit the station to speak about their challenges. His strategy is to ensure that residents play their role in keeping the area safe.
“We need reliable people that are passionate and willing to work with the police to end crime.
“We need people who are going to be the ears and eyes of the community. When a community member gives a tip-off to the police he or she must know that is safe and protected. The government has funds that are allocated for whistle-blowers who come forward with the information,” he explained.
Jacobs, who has been in the police service for 31 years, stated that his mandate was to reduce crime in the area.
He identified murders, house robberies, domestic violence and gender-based violence (GBV) as some of the most common crimes in Langa.
He stated that he intends to organise various campaigns against crime and GBV.
Jacobs urged the community to work with the police to reap good results.
