Speaking at the event Manana said the initiative by government was a direct response to the request by the CPFs and patrol teams who requested the resources last year during an Imbizo.
She commended the CPFs and patrol teams for their dedication in assisting the police in the war against crime. She however warned them not to commit crime using the reflector jackets.
Manana explained that the war against crime could only be won through such partnerships with the community. She said it was critical for government to empower communities with such resources in order to strengthen the relationship and to be efficient in fighting crime.
Manana has however called on the community to refrain from taking law into their own hands while dealing with criminals because the law will deal harshly with any form of vigilantism.
When patrolling the streets and come across suspects, you should not be tempted to take the law in our own hands.
"Vigilantism creates anarchy and lawlessness in our society hence it must be condemned and anyone who is suspected must be handed to the police so that the law could take its course," said Manana.
The event was part of the Safety and Security Focus Month that kick-started with a Border Security Campaign held at Komatipoort earlier this month. The purpose of the border security campaign was to enhance awareness about border security within the communities residing along the borderline. The campaign was held in partnership with Transnet, Home Affairs Department and Community Police Forum.
The department has also conducted Sports Against Crime activities at Nyongane near Hazyview on Saturday where four schools participated in a soccer tournament. The purpose of those games was to assist in enhancing awareness around the forthcoming Soccer World Cup.
The purpose of Safety and Security Focus Month was to encourage people to volunteer in community structures such as Community Police Forums, street committees or to become police reservists in an effort to assist in the fight against crime.