Police sharpen up their visibility

HEIDELBERG NEWS - The Heidelberg Police, through their social responsibility initiatives with their respective social partners, has reached out to the communities in Heidelberg and Slangrivier.

With Captain Noxolo Patience Rulwa, newly-appointed Vispol commanding officer, and Sergeant Imorgene Hendricks, local media communications officer, at the helm, the police held a Spiritual Crime Prevention Imbizo at a local hotel.

The purpose, according to Hendricks, was to establish a Spiritual Crime Prevention Group to engage with all spiritual leaders to fight crime on a spiritual level.

According to Hendricks the launch of this group was in the form of a prayer service, as they believe prayer is of the utmost importance as a tool to rid communities of the scourge of crime.

Various other role players, including the Department of Correctional Services (DCS), the local Community Police Forum (CPF), the Victim Empowerment Programme (VEP) commonly known as the police trauma room, as well as members of the local reservists unit pledged their support to the initiative.

Capt Noxolo Rulwa and Gerald Boezak in a spaza shop in Slangrivier.

Edlyn Willemse of DCS briefly explained the department's role in the initiative. Religious leaders, Reverend Chassley Fredericks and Pastor John Wright, said prayers and read scripture during the launch. Ward councillor Gerald Boezak, as well as Heinrich Hartnick, Da Gama Cluster CPF chair, also attended.

They accompanied Rulwa during the visits to the schools and business premises in the two communities.

Both Rulwa and Hendricks indicated they would be increasing their visibility in Heidelberg and Slangrivier, as well as Witsand and the surrounding farming district.

This will include continual visits to shops, taverns and schools to monitor if law and order is implemented as stipulated by government.

Rulwa briefly outlined her plans for the visits and warned that no space will be allowed for those trying to sidestep the law.

She also spoke to residents during the walkabouts and encouraged them to report any illegal activities they might be aware of.

"It is only if we all as police and civil society play our role and work together as a team, that we will be able to eradicate crime and build healthy communities," she said.

Sgt Danville Joseph (sector manager), Heinrich Hartnick, Gerald Boezak and Sgt Imorgene Hendricks.