To marshal out strategies for better collaboration to strengthen security for public assets, in particular in the rail environment, a high level delegation led by the Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Liziwe Ntshinga, has met with Passengers Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) management.
Security Watch Africa reports that the meeting which held on Monday, was a sequel to the presentation given by the Provincial Commissioner during the Minister of Transport’s visit to East London in March.
The Eastern Cape Province presented a comprehensive plan on the concept of Community in Blue and modalities on how these volunteers can be utilised in furthering the objectives of the “People’s Responsibility to Protect” which is the brainchild of PRASA to prevent crime within the rail environment.
“ The engagements included issues pertaining to recruitment, screening, training and deployment of Community in Blue volunteers. The meeting agreed that Community Police Forums were key role players in the programme and that they should be recognised as such. It is envisaged that not very long the two institutions will be signing a Memorandum of Understanding which will enhance the roll-out of the recruitment process and collaboration between the parties.
“ The fundamental objective of this cooperation is principally to build and strengthen a partnership to jointly protect PRASA assets and infrastructure in the Rail Environment. we believe that Community Police Forums and all other crime fighting structures can play a critical role in mobilising communities to assist PRASA to drive a campaign to eradicate lawlessness and corruption in its facilities, ” Ntshinga said.
The meeting was also attended by the Acting Provincial Commissioner of the Western Cape, Major General Thembisile Patekile, Acting Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Policing, the Office Manager to the Provincial Commissioner, Colonel Nkhahle, and the Chairperson of the CPF Provincial Board in the Eastern Cape, Mr Velani Mbiza-Gola.