Limpopo: The SAPS Limpopo Provincial Communication hosted a communication forum to engage media houses as part of a relationship-building exercise at the Waterberg District on Wednesday, 12 March 2025. The event aimed to foster collaboration and enhance the image of the South African Police Service (SAPS) through strategic communication.

According to South African Police Service, the forum was directed by Corporate Communication Media Relations Provincial Commander Colonel Malesela Ledwaba. He was joined by Lieutenant Colonel Steven Thakeng, the Media Center Team, Vispol Commander Rankinspass Warrant Officer Irene Masingi, and representatives from various media outlets, including Waterberg Wave FM, Die Pos Newspaper, and Mokopane community radio.

Colonel Ledwaba provided an overview of the status of Corporate Communication in the province, underscoring that SAPS Corporate Communication is guided by a strategic communication plan and National Instruction 5 of 2017. He highlighted the role of Corporate Communication in building the organisation's image through media collaboration and addressing crime and public safety concerns.

The forum stressed the importance of responsible reporting and communication. Media houses were urged to be cautious when sharing information with the public. SAPS objectives were reiterated, focusing on crime prevention, investigation, maintaining order, and law enforcement.

Colonel Ledwaba encouraged media outlets to collaborate with SAPS by sharing positive information and not solely focusing on negative news. He informed them about operations like Operation Kukula and Vala Umgodi, which aim to eradicate crime. He also encouraged participation in police crime prevention programs, such as Human Rights Day, 16 Days of Activism Against Women and Children, and Youth Day.

The forum also discussed the recent quarterly crime statistics, noting that Limpopo province was rated the safest in the country, with a decrease in murder cases and sexual offences. The importance of correct reporting to protect the organisation's reputation and the misuse of social media were also emphasized.

Challenges faced by media houses were addressed during the forum, ensuring that concerns were responded to appropriately.