Teamwork keeps Meerensee safe
The CPF works closely with the Richards Bay SAPS to achieve these successes and numerous joint projects are in the pipeline
‘IF we continue to work together, we will continue to successfully combat crime.’
That was the underlying message from Meerensee Community Police Forum (CPF) Chairman, Gerrit Duvenhage, at Monday’s annual general meeting.
Through its WhatsApp groups, the CPF communicates with 2 700 Meerensee residents, 911 of whom are registered members.
Everyone has a role to play in ensuring community safety, and the CPF’s statistics reflect the cohesion between residents and the forum.
Reporting on the CPF’s successes in 2016, it emerged that Meerensee house break-ins decreased by 48% compared with 2015, while theft from motor vehicles was down 2% and car hijacking down by a massive 50%.
However, business burglaries and theft of motor vehicles both increased, by 0.8% and 50% respectively.
Taking their fight against crime seriously, CPF patrollers were first on the scene in 96% of call-outs in 2016, attended to 67 complaints, undertook six combined operations with the SAPS, apprehended 21 people, attended seven drug-related operations, 21 car accidents and seven murder and suicide attempts.
CPF patrollers also conducted 22 greenbelt raids.
Throughout all incidents, no patrollers drew or fired a weapon, and no assault or any other charges were laid against them.
The CPF works closely with the Richards Bay SAPS to achieve these successes and numerous joint projects are in the pipeline.
‘The entire Meerensee CPF has a passion for what they are doing and we are seeing the results of working as a team,’ said Colonel Sosibo from Richards Bay SAPS.
Duvenhage pointed out that, although limited on resources, there are SAPS members doing their best to make a difference.
Contrary to this, it was reported that the CPF does not receive support from the uMhlatuze Traffic Department, and the problem of people driving while intoxicated persists.
The CPF will continue appealing to the uMhlatuze Municipality for its support.
Going forward, the CPF’s own projects will continue, including its newly launched anti-abuse helpline and no-drugs project.
It is also making progress in setting up a mobile office.
The 23 active CPF patrollers volunteer their time and petrol to ensure the safety of their community.
An award ceremony followed the AGM, during which special awards were given to Corrie, Joshua and David Pretorius for their dedication to patrolling and 24-hour availability.
PHOTOS RACHELLE BREEDT
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