The South African Police Service launched the Pixley Ka Seme Community in Blue Patrollers on Monday, 15 May 2023, at the Grasdak Church in Douglas.
In attendance were the MEC for Transport, Safety and Liaison(DTSL), Me Nomandla Bloem, the Speaker of Siya Ncuma Local Municipality, Councilor Van Niekerk, Maj Gen Lekhele , the Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Crime Detection, Major General Ngubelanga, the Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Policing , Major General Mtukushe, the District Commissioner for Pixley Ka Seme, and Brigadier Kopeledi, the Provincial Head for Pro-Active Policing, Mr Deratsile, the Head of Ministry for DTSL, Deputy Provincial Chairperson of the Community Police Board, Me Esau and Deputy Chairperson Community Police Forum in Pixley Ka Seme District, Mr Olivier, other senior SAPS officials and the Douglas community at large.
The programme commenced with the SAPS and SANDF drill platoons marching through the streets of Douglas creating awareness while being led by the Provincial SAPS Band.
Chaplain Mzangwa opened the event with an opening prayer that was followed by the welcoming and introduction of guests by Councilor Van Niekerk.
The purpose of the day was outlined by Pixley Ka Seme District Commissioner, Major General Mtukushe who reiterated that the purpose is to standardise the establishment and functioning of Community in Blue Patrollers within the SAPS which is inclusive of street committees, neighborhood watches and community patrollers.
The message of support was de delivered by the Deputy Provincial Chairperson of the Community Police Board, Me Esau who welcomed the Community in Blue Patrollers into the crime fighting family.
Major General Lekhele did the address on behalf of the Provincial Commissioner, Lt Gen Koliswa Otola and stated how they expect professionalism from the patrollers. The patrollers are force multipliers and they cannot work alone as they should always be accompanied by the SAPS and remember they are the eyes and ears of the police to combat crime and ensure our communities are safe and secure.
The keynote address was delivered by MEC Nomandla Bloem, who stated that we should prioritize the fight against gender based violence and femicide(GBVF).
The focus is on police visibility and robust community patrols. MEC Bloem further stated how the patrollers in blue must respect the uniform and wear it with pride in their respective communities.
She then proceeded to do the handing over of community in blue patrollers’ uniform and community in blue strategy in concluding the day’s activities.
The vote of thanks was done by Deputy District Chairperson for CPF, Mr Olivier who also thanked the community for their support and pledged to support the Community in Blue Patrollers in the Pixley Ka Seme District in their endeavours to fight crime.
