Mabopane SAPS and CPF Promotes Sports as Crime Prevention

(The Post News)– The Mabopane South African Police Service (SAPS) and Community Policing Forum (CPF) have launched a fresh offensive in the fight against rising crime, exchanging traditional community meetings for goalposts and football fields.

Over the weekend, the police hosted the ‘Sports Against Crime’ competition at the Bana Sports Ground in Mabopane, an initiative designed to engage local youth and foster stronger, positive relationships between the community and law enforcement.

According to one of the organizers, Keetseng Motshegoa, the event was prompted by escalating crime rates and the urgent need to involve young people directly in crime prevention. “The main target for the competition was the youth in the community because they are often the most vulnerable, either as victims or perpetrators of crime. Engaging them in positive activities can help steer them away from criminal behavior,” Motshegoa explained.

Motshegoa said that sport was deliberately chosen as the tool of engagement, as it provides an accessible and unifying platform for connection.

“Sport can break down barriers and build relationships, which is far more engaging and effective than traditional methods of conveying messages,” she noted. Motshegoa further said that they are making it very evident to young people that crime is not the solution. Moreover, they wish to spread a message of hope, solidarity, and lawfulness since there are constructive, powerful ways to overcome obstacles and succeed.

Crucial Community Engagement

Furthermore, Motshegoa added that the success of the initiative depended heavily on strong local participation and support. “Local stakeholders, including community organizations, schools, and businesses, partnered with SAPS and CPF. Their support was crucial, as it provided resources, helped with mobilization, and lent credibility to the event, contributing significantly to its success,” she said.

She shared that feedback from community leaders and participants has been overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the competition as an engaging and impactful way to strengthen community–police relations.

The Mabopane SAPS and CPF are determined to build on the success of the single-day event and ensure its long-term impact. “We plan to follow up with participants, involve them in future programs, and maintain regular engagement through other outreach activities,” Motshegoa said.