2009-10-13: Public safety mall campaigns
A City of Joburg public safety initiative in shopping malls is netting a bigger coup for law enforcement agencies in the city than was initially expected.
Through a ten day series of shopping mall campaigns involving SAPS and Joburg’s Metro Police Department (JMPD), Emergency Management Services, EMS and other departments, the campaign is being lauded by police who say their presence in the city’s most popular malls is proving to be a huge deterrent to crime.
Shopping malls have been an attractive option for hard core gangs seeking soft targets during the past month in Gauteng.
However, after a weekend of public safety activities at three popular shopping malls, police spokesman Captain John Maluleke reported on Sunday that “not only were these campaigns proving to be of exceptional interest to the public, they are proving to be a big deterrent to criminals.”
The City of Joburg is targeting four more shopping centers from this Thursday to Sunday.
Project leader Lorraine Mokgobi said the huge number of visitors to the police stall was encouraging, while of added benefit was that “officers from the surrounding community police stations were able to provide the public with information that was specific to their areas.” The community was able to reciprocate which also provided police in instances with valuable information which they will be following up.
A drive to attract much-needed recruits to the JMPD ahead of the 2010 World Cup was also well received with many imminent young school leavers eager to sign up for recruitment and training.
The campaigns proved to be a popular platform from which it launched key messages on:
Firearm use
Alcohol and drug abuse
Swimming pool cover by-law and
Road safety (arrive alive)
AARTO
Traffic offences and by law enforcement.
Children were entertained by Joburg’s fun mascots, puppet shows every hour and giveaways.
Four more campaigns are planned from 10h00 to 15h00 on:
15 October – Carlton Centre
16 October – Jabulani Mall
17 October – Oriental Plaza
18 October – Maponya Mall
For media queries, kindly contact: For interviews, kindly sms or call
Thembelihle Radebe (SAPS)
Captain John Maluleke 084 525 8233
Media & Communications: Region C & D (JMPD) Wayne Minnaar at 082 559 3882
Public Liaison Department (EMS) Percy Morokane 083 288 3751
CITY OF JOBURG
Tel. (011) 407-7353
E-mail: ThembelihleR@joburg.org
