PHOLA – Crime prevention is not solely the responsibility of the police or government; senior citizens are also vital contributors to community safety. This message resonated strongly during an anti-crime awareness campaign hosted by Vukuzakhe Old Age, in partnership with the South African Police Service (SAPS), on October 23, 2024 at the Alliance Church of South Africa.The campaign aimed to educate the elderly about safety measures and how they can contribute to crime prevention efforts. The local Phola SAPS has been working closely with Community Policing Forums (CPF) to strengthen their role in community safety by funding CPF projects and restructuring the forums for better efficiency.Ensuring safety and security for the elderly is crucial for their well-being.
It was highlighted during the gathering that many older people in Phola live alone, making self-protection awareness even more essential. Kgobisa Maredi, a CPF member, emphasized the importance of protecting senior citizens from financial exploitation and scams. He added that teaching them how to report scams and respond to robberies is critical. “Every house should have a whistle to blow if they suspect criminal activity and should have the contact number of either the police or CPF,” Maredi advised.
The partnership between Phola SAPS and the municipality has fostered a multidisciplinary approach to local crime fighting, with CPF playing a key role in developing integrated safety plans. Sarah Mashilwane, representing Vukuzakhe Old Age, condemned the abuse of the elderly, stating, “It is incredibly painful to witness older people being abused.” She urged fellow senior citizens to prioritise their well-being, saying, “Safety, health, financial stability, and security are all important aspects of taking care of oneself.”
Mashilwane also encouraged older adults to foster strong connections within their communities to combat isolation and loneliness, issues that often affect the elderly. Sergeant Petrus Ntuli from Phola SAPS reassured the gathering that the Older Persons Act 13 of 2006 is being properly enforced. “This Act is designed to protect the rights, well-being, and security of older persons,” he explained. “If our elderly encounter any form of abuse, they are encouraged to open a protection order against the perpetrators.”
