19 September 2025
Klerksdorp Record, Klerksdorp - Local organised business has taken hands with the National Prosecuting Authority and SAPS as a strategy to reduce crime in the Klerksdorp CBD.
It is no secret that businesses in the CBD are struggling with ongoing crime syndicates scaring people away. Johan Oosthuizen of the Matlosana Chamber of Commerce said the purpose of the meeting on September 3 was to improve existing strategies and focus on high-impact areas.
“It is a big problem that people lost faith in the police because the robbers are arrested but are free again not long after being jailed. And that is where the judiciary comes in. We can now confirm that the Senior State Prosecutor said that CBD related cases receive specific dedicated attention and procedure at court. Dockets related to crimes in the CBD are tracked so it doesn’t disappear in the system,’’ he said.
Another solution is the Community in Blue programme consisting of volunteers working for SAPS and is crucial in visible crime prevention. “This programme is currently being rolled out to strengthen collaboration between the community and law enforcement to take back our city. Prompt and accurate reporting of all crimes are paramount. Every report helps build reliable crime statistics, strengthening law enforcement’s ability to allocate resources and plan patrols effectively,’’ he said.
According to Oosthuizen the wheels are also rolling to the get the CBD under camera surveillance again. “Many stores have their own CCTV footage and we urge the business community to work with SAPS and give them access to existing private camera systems to continue investigation. The plan is to improve WiFi infrastructure throughout the CBD and to upgrade the mobile camera unit to its full functionality again,’’ he said.
Members of the community who wish to get involved in these crime prevention efforts or seek more information can contact the Matlosana Business Chamber’s Adv Neil Strydom on 081 506 4415.
