Community crime busters of Sebokeng

Jabulani Dlomo has been a champion of community crime-busting in Sebokeng for the past 16 years.

The 46-year-old has been involved in fighting crime since his arrival from Phongolo in KwaZulu-Natal in 1996. Dlomo, who was unemployed, and four other community members, started their crime fighting crusade by patrolling the streets.“I found myself settling in Sebokeng in the area of Boitumelo. What struck me the most was the high level of crime in the area, especially house robberies and people being robbed on their way to work,” said Dlomo. Then in 2002 the group attended a community meeting called by the station commander and his management at Sebokeng Police station to form a CPF.

The group was involved in the establishment of the first CPF in the area. Between 2008 and 2012, Dlomo was appointed the chairperson of the Sebokeng CPF. Under his leadership, the CPF was awarded the title of best patrol group by the Gauteng SAPS and the Department of Community Safety in 2009.

Dlomo says the function of a CPF is to establish and maintain a partnership between the community and the police in fighting crime. He says that in Sebokeng, the working relationship between the police and the community has been smooth.

“Our forum helps build confidence in the police and the community members are not afraid to pass information to the police.”

The forum has also set up a youth desk to drive the youth away from criminal activities. On a weekly basis, the CPF goes out to the community, giving out pamphlets on crime fighting tips and meeting with street committees and patrollers.

Dlomo says it is the responsibility of every South African to join in the fight against crime, working closely with the police.

Resident Jackson Mbi says the CPF has made the community safer. “We are happy, especially with street patrols at night” said Jackson Mbi.

Sebokeng Station Commander Brigadier Scheepers says he strongly believes in involving the community in the fight against crime.

“Through the CPF, the community gets to know that as the police we are there for them.

Being seen in the community and talking to people is very important. As the police we cannot fight crime alone, we need the support of the CPF.

We can show South Africa that zero crime is possible if we work together.”

Dlomo says the CPF was responsible for nine sector crime committees, which are all functional.

He explains that when a CPF is formed, the community is separated into sector crime areas for different parts of the community. Those committees report to the CPF.

“The sector crime committees are responsible for neighbourhood watches and it’s here that community patrollers are formed. In Sebokeng, there are 680 patrollers.”

“I would encourage all South Africans to be part of ensuring that their communities are safe. It is in our hands as residents to make our country safer,” concluded Dlomo.