Picture: The Namakwa District Police Commissioner, Brigadier Schalk Andrews visits Radio Kaboesna/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
30 January 2026- The Namakwa District Police Commissioner, Brigadier Schalk Andrews rolled out his “Meet and Greet” programme utilizing local community radio stations as a mouthpiece to reach communities, especially those situated in rural and far reaching areas. This week, Andrews visited Radio Kaboesna, which is based in Calvinia.
He was accompanied by the Namakwa District police spokesperson, Captain Ivan Magerman and the Vispol Station Commander, Warrant Officer Hantie Hawksley. Adrews further said it was their first visit and one of many regular engagements on the community radio station’s airwaves, marking a new chapter in community police relations in the Boberg area of Namakwa District.
“Henceforth, SAPS will broadcast every Thursday at 6pm, utilizing the platform to educate communities, combat crime through public awareness, and enhance the corporate image of SAPS in the Namakwa region. A key feature of this initiative is the establishment of the Kaboesna-SAPS Helpdesk, which will provide community members with a confidential channel to report complaints and crime anonymously.
“The help desk underscores the police’s commitment to accessible, transparent and responsive policing. During the broadcast, Brigadier Andrews expressed his gratitude to Radio Kaboesna Station Management for providing this valuable airtime and opportunity to be part of the partnership policing strategy allowing media to assist and participate in crime fighting using the media platform,” he added.
Andrews also urged Calvinia residents and communities covered in the broadcasting range, to actively participate in the fight against crime by joining Community Policing Forum (CPF) structures, the Youth Against Crime initiative and the Community in Blue Patrollers structures. He cited that, it is one of his best practices to bring the community closer to the SAPS and being able to address complaints immediately, provide feedback to complainants and solve the crime in a short time period if possible, following all the processes.
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