15-05-2025
Community unites against crime at Akasia Crime Talk Imbizo
Persistent criminal activities in the north of Pretoria came under the spotlight last week with the intention of finding answers.
The Akasia Police Station hosted a Crime Talk Imbizo at Wonderpark Mall in the north of Pretoria, to engage with residents on pressing safety concerns.
The event, which brought together local law enforcement, community leaders, and concerned citizens, aimed to confront the escalating crime rates plaguing neighbourhoods, discuss pressing safety concerns and collaborative solutions.
The primary grievances voiced by attendees centred on delayed police response times and a noticeable lack of patrol vehicles in the area.
Residents recounted instances where calls to emergency services went unanswered or were met with prolonged delays, leaving victims vulnerable and eroding trust in law enforcement.
Akasia has recently been spotlighted as one of Pretoria's most crime-affected areas, with a notable increase in contact crimes, including assaults, robberies, and burglaries.
According to the latest crime statistics, the station reported a 10.6% decrease in contact crimes, with no attempted murder cases reported.
Assault with intent to cause GBH decreased by 1.5% (131 cases to 12), and cases of common assault by 8.6% (245 to 224). Common robberies decreased by 27 counts (now 30) and murder cases by 8 counts (now 13) while sexual offences increased by 2 (now 5).
Cases of robbery with aggravating circumstances decreased by 2.2%, from 227 cases down to 222.
This quarter, 19 rapes were reported.
Carjackings increased by 15 counts to 47, and robberies at non-residential premises decreased by 7 counts to 12 cases.
Residents voiced their frustrations and fears during the imbizo, emphasising the urgent need for effective interventions.
The imbizo served as a platform for law enforcement to outline ongoing and upcoming initiatives aimed at curbing crime.
Resident Elza Pretorius said police made a lot of broken promises to residents.
'We held marches and handed over petitions, and police promised us that the station would be better.
'If you call the security, they say they don't have vans. Community members end up taking matters into their own hands because police take about five hours to arrive at the scene,' said Pretorius.
During the imbizo, residents engaged in a dialogue with the different stakeholders, who addressed their questions and concerns.
The Akasia CIMAC Unit said that during April, the station recorded an increase in car hijackings.
The unit pointed out that any Toyota, VW Polo and Nissan NP200 were the most stolen cars.
The community members were provided with safety tips on how to protect themselves and avoid becoming victims of crime.
One such initiative is the Light Up Akasia project, a collaboration between the Akasia Community Policing Forum (CPF) and local authorities, focusing on repairing and maintaining streetlights in high-crime areas to deter criminal activities.
Additionally, the Akasia CPF has been actively recruiting volunteers to bolster community patrols, highlighting the importance of resident involvement in crime prevention.
Public Relations Officer Lerato Makwe stated, 'Community participation is crucial. By working together, we can create a safer environment for all'.
Akasia Police station commander Colonel Aaron Molefi Setlhalogile stressed the importance of rebuilding trust between police and the community.
Setlhalogile acknowledged the challenges faced by police and the need for community support.
'We are committed to serving and protecting, but we cannot do it alone. Community co-operation is essential,' he said.
Residents were encouraged to report all criminal activities, no matter how minor, to aid in accurate crime mapping and resource allocation.
The imbizo concluded with a renewed sense of determination among attendees to combat crime through unity and proactive engagement.
Plans are underway to hold regular community meetings, enhance neighbourhood watch programmes, and implement educational campaigns on safety and crime prevention.
Amandasig Action Group (AAG) Chairperson Quintin Painter said the group, together with the CPF and police, can combat crime.
'We have a community plan and prevention strategies that will help reduce crime in sectors 1 and 2,' said Painter.
According to the Chairperson of the CPF William Motshoene, the forum has vetted over 200 members.
'We have a lot of patrollers in Sector 1. Sector 2 can be covered if a sector forum is formed.
'We encourage businesses all around Akasia to avail themselves of fighting crime.'
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