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Bellville Police Station’s new acting station commander comes with decades of experience and optimism about the area.
Brig Jan Alexander is also a big fan of teamwork, something he believes all in Bellville can do to better the area. Alexander started as Bellville’s new top cop in March, after finishing as the head of Mitchells Plain Police Station.
Controversy
Alexander is also no stranger to controversy. He was in the spotlight for months on end after 15 firearms at the station went missing, presumably in November 2023.
A police officer at the station was arrested for the crime.
News about this became public knowledge in January this year, when the first media reports started sharing news about this.
Alexander was accused of failing to secure the firearms, and Mitchells Plain residents protested in January asking for those who were meant to have been in control of the guns to be held to account.
Emre Uygen, chair of the Bellville Community Policing Forum (BCPF), says he requested Alexander be transferred to Bellville because of his experience.
“His prior experience as a Vispol commander at Bellville SAPS has equipped him with a deep understanding of the community dynamics and extensive experience in handling gang violence on the Cape Flats, since Bellville is slowly starting to become infiltrated by gangs being released from prison,” Uygen says.
“Furthermore, senior members of SAPS have also expressed their full endorsement of Brig Alexander for this role, citing his exceptional skills and suitability for the position.”
Working together
Alexander was introduced to the wider at their partnership meeting held last week.
An optimistic Alexander said he had worked for numerous police stations and in numerous roles before, including at Nyanga, Steenberg, Landsdowne, Laaiplek, Vredendal and Klawer.
He has three children and says he is happily married.
“We can take Bellville to the next level,” he told attendees. “But if you look at our current structure, there is no way we’ll make it alone.”
He said he was reaching out to all to help make the area a safe place. “Help me, even if it means going back to basics.”
He said he trusts the officers at Bellville. “Whatever happens can be solved. We can do better but need to work together.”
