The event addressed issues regarding concerns over the increasing misuse of alcohol and drugs, rising crime and gender-based violence.
DEPUTY Police Minister Cassel Mathale held a community imbizo in Upington on Thursday to address issues of increasing use of alcohol and drugs, crime and gender-based violence.
The Northern Cape MEC for Transport, Safety and Liaison, Nomandla Bloem, the acting provincial commissioner, Major-General Joey Kers, national and provincial SAPS management, head of entities and the national and provincial chairperson of the Community Policing Forum, Ephraim Homan, the mayor of Dawid Kruiper Municipality, the executive mayor of ZF Mgcawu District Municipality and the provincial head of the Independent Police Investigative Directorate took part in the Ministerial Crime Prevention Imbizo that was held at the Mxolisi Dicky Jacobs Stadium in Upington on Thursday.
Northern Cape police spokesperson Colonel Mashay Gamieldien said the delegation visited the Paballelo police station, followed by a briefing session at the Upington Mess before engaging with the community.
“The community raised concerns to the panel regarding drug abuse, police brutality, the lack of gender-based violence programmes and unprofessionalism of police officials when reporting complaints,” said Gamieldien.
“One speaker expressed disappointment that criminals were not prosecuted and were released.
“In response, Major-General Joey Kers promised to investigate and address the concerns with the provincial inspectorate, the station commanders and the district office.”
