HEBRON TAKE A STAND AGAINST CRIME THROUGH CPTED – LETSEMA
The areas of Itsoseng Phase 3 and 5 in Hebron have become a concerning hotspot for crime with high incidence rates of robbery, murder, assault, Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF). The area’s overgrown bushes and abandoned houses create a haven for criminals, who even flee from as far as Mabopane to hide and evade police.
To combat the high crime rates, the Department of Community Safety and Transport Management together with their stakeholders embarked on a Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) programme. By debushing and cleaning up the areas, the department aims to eradicate the hiding spots for criminal activity, creating a safer environment for residents and sending a strong message that crime will not be tolerated.
At the stakeholder engagement, Ms. Lesedi Mokoma, Assistant Director of Bojanala Crime Prevention emphasized the critical role of debushing in combating crime in Hebron’s Itsoseng area. “The alarming rates of crime in this hotspot fueled by overgrown bushes and abandoned houses, prompted us to take action,” she explained. “In our collective efforts to eradicate crime, we have brought together stakeholders and the community to debush the area and create a safer environment.”
Furthermore, Ms. Mokoma expressed her gratitude to the community and stakeholders for their dedication to fighting crime: “We extend our heartfelt thanks to every stakeholder and community member who has contributed to making this initiative a success. The partnership between the South African Police Service (SAPS), Community Policing Forum (CPF), Youth Crime Prevention Desk Bojanala sub-district, Department of Public Works and Roads, Madibeng Local Municipality and Bojanala Platinum District Municipality has been instrumental in driving this effort forward.”
The CPTED programme is a cornerstone of MEC Wessels Morweng’s commitment to combating crime as outlined in his budget speech. Through this initiative, the Department reaffirms its pledge to create crime-free environments, ensuring communities can thrive in safety and security.
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