Patekile was one of several VIP guests who attended the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) Cluster Imbizo held at the Hornlee Sport Grounds on Tuesday, August 26.
The JCPS includes the South African Police Service, National Prosecuting Authority, Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, Department of Correctional Services and Department of Social Development.
Two weeks ago the SAPS provincial spokesperson, Captain Malcolm Pojie, stated that Knysna had been identified as a problem area. Compounding suspicions that the local station may be under investigations by higher authorities is the fact that it became apparent during the Johann Burmeister trial that local police officers were not adhering to SAPS standing orders and that said officers were not being disciplined for lying under oath in a court of law.
During an earlier interview with Knysna's station commander Colonel Atwell Metu (refer to the article, Top Cop to Steady His Shop in Knysna-Plett Herald of Thursday, August 14), Pojie stated that Knysna was included in the SAPS' Project 31 which focuses on stations in areas that contribute most to the Western Cape's crime statistics. Pojie further aid that Patekile had taken Knysna under his "personal wing" and that he was keeping a close eye on the situation here.
The crowd at the well-organised Imbizo was entertained by the South African Police Brass Band and the Department of Correctional Services' choir as well as various speakers focusing on Women's Month activities and the theme, Celebrating 60 Years of the Women's Charter and 20 Years of Freedom: Moving Women's Agenda Forward.
In her address, Knysna executive mayor Georlene Wolmarans immediately connected with her audience in the authentic and comfortable way of someone who knows and is in touch with the issues of her community. "We all know how to camouflage a blue eye with make-up to make sure no one knows what happens at our homes at night behind closed doors, but we also need to remember it is not only women who often take a beating, but also men at the hands of women."
To the delight of all those attending the Imbizo, the hundreds of guests were all served Kentucky meals.
The South African Police Brass Band entertained guests and dignitaries.
Gabriella Sauers (3) and her aunt Jean Fourie, enjoy their Kentucky food at the recent imbizo.
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ARTICLE: ANOESCHKA VON MECK, KNSYNA-PLETT HERALD JOURNALIST
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