Duane Petrus – Government and local business roleplayers met in Bloemfontein today to discuss ways of strengthening ties in order to fight crime collectively.
Strengthening communication amongst businesses about crimes prevalent in their areas, curbing the abuse of liquor and how to make businesses less attractive for criminals were some of the topics raised.
The MEC for Police, Roads and Transport, Butana Komphela, says too many taverns operate too close to schools and some do not operate their businesses within the regulations stipulated by the liquor board.
He added that the police’s recent collaboration with the mining industry in Welkom has been positive so far.
"We have launched the Mine Crime Combatting Forum there. At Least, they now have an understanding that they must work with us to combat ilicit mining there. They initially thought it is a police business alone," he added.
Amongst those present were representatives from the banking, insurance, and liquor industries.
