MEC for Transport and Community Safety together with SAPS management prioritise safety at schools

MOOKGOPONG – The MEC for Transport and Community Safety, Hon Namane Dickson Masemola together with the South African Police Service Management in Limpopo, continue prioritising safety at the schools across the province with the aim of creating a crime-free learning environment.

On Wednesday, 22 January 2020, the MEC and the Deputy Provincial Commissioner responsible for Policing Major General Jan Scheepers led a team of officers including the SAPS Modimolle Cluster Commander, Brigadier Steyn and other members of the South African Police Service during a safer schools programme conducted at Mookgopong in the Modimolle Cluster where two schools were visited as part of promoting and popularizing the safer schools campaign and the ‘Adopt a Cop’ initiative.

The activities commenced with a briefing session at SAPS Mookgopong Lapa, headed by Major General Scheepers. His presentation stressed on a close working relationship between the Police and members of the community in eradicating crime. He further assured the residents of Mookgopong that there is going to be a re-election of the Community Police Forums as part of strengthening Policing to the citizens of the area.

The SAPS Mookgopong Station Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Kekana gave a presentation on the crime overview in the area which remains a concern. This called for immediate intervention and lastly, the Chief Director Mr Stander, emphasized on the importance of merging the Community Policing Forum (CPF) and Community Safety Forum (CSF), to ensure crime is dealt with head-on.

The safer school programme then unfolded at Makhutjisa Secondary School for the MEC’s community engagement and proceeded to Mokhari Secondary School. The MEC alluded that he was impressed with the discipline displayed by the learners at the schools.

The following topics were discussed:
* The importance of education
* Policy matters to ensure a safe learning environment
* Consequences of vandalizing infrastructures
* Encouraged learners to work hard to achieve maximum results.

MEC Masemola concluded his visit by engaging with the community on criminal matters in the area at Mokgoophong Primary School. During this campaign, members of the community were given the opportunity to raise concerns and questions to which the local Municipal Mayor, Major General Scheepers and the MEC responded to.