MAKHADO (LOUIS TRICHARDT) – The very clear connection between alcohol and crime and the alarming increase in the abuse of alcohol and other drugs amongst school children, figured prominently during a Crime Prevention Summit two weeks ago.

The summit was well attended in the local show hall.

The MEC for Safety, Security and Liaison, Mrs Dikeledi Magadzi, expressed satisfaction and excitement about the attendance.

“I am particularly excited about the fact that the summit was well attended by a representative cross section of the entire community – also businessmen and farmers – and the quality input from all present.”

The summit was organized to improve the relations between the police, the local municipality and the community by promoting co-operative governance; to facilitate the implementation of the National Crime Prevention Strategy; to enhance public education and awareness on safety and security matters by promoting participation; and to develop a programme of action for crime prevention.

The strategic objectives of the summit were to create a safe and secure living place for all, to restore investment confidence and to identify problems areas as well as strategies do deal with such problems.

Presentations were made by the SAPS-Vhembe, COSATU, the Departments of Justice and Education and the Crime Prevention Unit of the Presidency.