MOSSEL BAY NEWS - Members of various crime prevention entities from across the Southern Cape joined forces at the George civic centre for an anti-crime summit presented by Eden Cluster Commander Maj-Gen Oswald Reddy earlier this week.
Approximately 250 people including police officers, neighbourhood watch members, community police forum (CPF) members, mayors from the district, local community leaders, and members of the department of correctional services (DCS) and social development attended the two-day event on Tuesday and Wednesday, 29 and 30 January.
In his opening speech, Reddy said that there was public outcry about the increase in certain categories of crime after minister Bheki Cele released the crime statistics for the 2017/2018 financial year in September 2018. This led him to plan the anti-crime summit for October last year, but due to restructuring within the South African police service it was postponed until now.
"This anti-crime summit is part of my plan to address the crime problems of the Eden cluster holistically, with a cradle-to-grave focus on proactive, reactive and rehabilitation with strategic partnerships," he said.
In his presentation Reddy said it is his vision that the Eden cluster becomes the best performing cluster in South Africa with the most improved levels of service delivery and the most significant reduction in the level of crime.
Attendees listen closely to Reddy's opening speech.
He reiterated that the police can't fight this battle alone and that the entire community should stand together against violence and crime.
"In order for us to achieve sustainable long-term crime stabilisation and reduction, it is imperative that we focus on extensive networking and building strategic partnerships with all relevant role players.
"The holistic cradle-to-grave focus will ensure change in thinking, behaviour and attitude of individuals.
"It is envisaged that this type of intervention which focuses on addressing the root causes of crime will yield the desired results," he said. "We will transition from strict law enforcement to voluntary compliance with the laws of our country. We will protect and serve, and make South Africa more safe and secure for all its inhabitants."
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