POLOKWANE - The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Limpopo Major General Jan Scheepers calls upon communities to support the police in the fight against crime. This was highlighted during interviews with the media houses based on his presentation during the Limpopo Provincial Crime Statistics for 2021/2022 quarter which was released yesterday, 03 March 2022.

Major General Scheepers accompanied by the Provincial Commander of Media Relations Colonel Moatshe Ngoepe, was interviewed by the Capricorn FM live from their Polokwane studios from 18:15 and 18:50 and telephonically by Energy F.M from 19:50.

The Acting Provincial Commissioner outlined that though the province has shown a decline in other crime categories, there are still areas which need more focus and efforts including effective interventions.

He addressed Contact Crime which recorded an increase of murder and attempted murder cases, where a total of 641 people were being brutally attacked. He further outlined the liquor and drug abuse as some of the contributing factors towards these violent crimes. He said police have intensified their operations in the crime infested areas and the Saps Management had also activated a team on tracing the wanted suspects. He also touched on the issue of vigilantism, that communities need to work closely with the Police not against them and that include reactivating all the Community based crime prevention structures in all the Police Stations and District levels.

Major General Scheepers also tackled the impact of illicit mining and illegal immigration, that is also the responsibility of the community to report these illegal activities and to stop accommodating undocumented foreigners. Another issues that were addressed are Police corruption, which the Management takes it very serious and ensures that all the members involved are dealt with decisively.

In concluding the interview, the Major General Scheepers appealed to the public, men in particular, to protect their women and children against violence and abuse. He also urged members of the community to support crime prevention awareness campaigns and Imbizos hosted by the Saps which are aimed at address the gender based violence and other serious crimes plaguing communities.

Source: South African Police Service