VHEMBE – The District Commissioner of Vhembe District, Major General ERS Van Der Walt accompanied by the Deputy District Commissioner, Colonel Raphulu, District Detective Coordinator Lieutenant Colonel Makungo, Sergeant Dathi, Sergeant Masia, Siloam Acting Station Commander, Captain Matshivha, Mphephu Acting Station Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Ramahanedza, and Vhulaudzi Vispol Commander, Warrant Officer Mavhungu, conducted a crime awareness campaign on Friday 07 October 2022 at Mphephu Tribal Council under Siloam Policing Area.

Chief Ravele, who is the Chairperson of the Mphephu Executive Council, welcomed the Police District Commissioner and his Management.

Colonel Raphulu introduced the District Commissioner, Major General ERS Van Der Walt before he addressed the house. The General elaborated more on the crimes which are prevalent around Siloam, Mphephu and Vhulaudzi policing area.

He indicated that there is a challenge of Mob Justice especially in Nzhelele Valley and though Police are working hard to curb this issue, Traditional leaderships must be involved in the fight against this scourge by assisting the Police with information and educating the community members about the consequences of vigilantism as the culprits are often known and living in their communities.

The District Commissioner also informed them about the planned community engagement programmes in the form of door-to-door awareness campaigns and Imbizos that are aimed to address the scourge of crime in this area including mob justice and gender-based violence.

In conclusion, all the concerns and questions tabled during the discussion were tackled accordingly and the relevant contact numbers were also distributed to the attendees.

Source: South African Police Service