Police and public share a cup of coffee

By Randfontein Herald
Original article HERE

The Randfontein Police shared a cup of coffee with the public at Tambotie Mall on Friday, 1 November.

According to Brigadier Mashole Jacob Manamela, Randfontein Police station commander, the Coffee With a Cop project is an opportunity for the police and community to interact with one another on a friendly basis.

“The day was made possible by our Social Crime Prevention Unit. It gives us as police a chance to have an open conversation with the public in a not-so-serious way. If we give advice, so be it.” Manamela said.

Manamela went on to say the day created a good opportunity for the police to change the public’s perception of the police.

“People should know that police work is not only about making arrests. There is a need for us to engage with the community and find out what their daily challenges are, more especially those who are most vulnerable in society,” Manamela said.

He also added that the platform offered residents a chance to do follow-ups on cases that have been reported recently.

Manamela also gave thanks to Mugg and Bean and the IBRC Ithlokomeleng Batho Rehabilitation Centre (IBRC) for making the day possible.

Eddiewren Mutumba, director of the project, said it was developed to bridge the gap between the police and communities in which they were currently not welcome.