“Even if a person is coming to ask for directions, let’s ensure that we assist that person or refer to a relevant person if we can’t assist him or her on our own,” said Brig Mnoneleli Magobiyane.
He was talking to City Vision following his historic achievement.
The Khayelitsha Police Station commander made history when he was named the Best Brigadier Station of the Year in 2021/22 in the Western Cape.
The station was awarded the mini trophy and certificate by provincial commissioner Maj-Gen Thembisile Patekile in an event that was held at Century City Conference Centre in Century City on Saturday 14 January.
Magobiyane said he was humbled. He attributed the achievement to all his subordinates and various community stakeholders.
He highlighted hard work and commitment as the driving force to success.
“We are working so hard to ensure that we fight crime at all costs in our communities. Working together with Community Policing Forum (CPF), Neighbourhood Watch and Khayelitsha Spiritual Crime Prevention Forum including other community stakeholders makes our job easier. We have a very solid team, which is dedicated to working for the community,” said Magobiyane.
He stated that the award came as a shock to him. He has been at the station for a year.
“I started working at the station in December 2021. I ensured that I revived all the community stakeholders. I always emphasise to my colleagues at the station that let’s take all the complaints reported to the station seriously,” he said.
However, Magobiyane stated that there are still challenges to be tackled for the community to live in harmony.
“Crime is still rife in our communities. As long ambulances, the City employees and other people needed to be escorted by the police when they are coming to the area to render their services there’s still a lot that needs to be done,” he explained.
He highlighted extortion, gender-based violence (GBV) and car hijacking as some of the crimes that ravage the community.
Khayelitsha /Site B Community Policing Forum chair Monde Bambelo said they are thrilled by the award.
He praised the officers for doing a stunning job.
“We are over the moon as Khayelitsha. We are hoping that there are many more other awards that are coming. We thank all the officers and other community stakeholders who risk their lives protecting their community,” said Bambelo, adding that their focus is to reduce crime in the community.