Residents unite at Edenvale CPF forum
“We need to get the message across that if you come to Edenvale and you fight with fire, you are going to get burnt.”
Community members came out in their numbers when they attended the Edenvale CPF’s (ECPF) broader forum meeting.
The October 16 meeting advised residents, celebrated recent joint arrests by community stakeholders and highlighted crimes of concern.
ECPF chairperson Sheryl Damerell said the forum was only as good as its team, the information, and the support the members receive from the community.
“This is a community body, and we need people to join and assist however they can.”
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She applauded the members for their hard work and dedication.
Damerell said more people are going missing and being kidnapped across SA, and it is alarming.
“Time is of the essence when you report a situation, especially a missing person. You must go to your nearest police station, where you will receive a form to fill in. Once completed, you will receive an occurrence book (OB) number,” said Damerell.
Once an OB number is received, notices and flyers can be circulated.
She said another matter of concern is the number of hijackings and kidnappings for ransom.
“We all need to be aware; this happens across the country.”
Speaking for the EMPD, Chief Superintendent Leon Saaiman urged community members to contact him on Leon.Saaiman@ekurhuleni.gov.za
He said if community members brought forward complaints, he would liaise with them to keep them informed.
Speaking about equipment, Saaiman said the department had a vehicle shortage in the past, which remains the case.
“Despite this challenge, we have found ways to get around it.”
He said the cars often run 24/7.
“The more you drive them, the more wear and tear there is. Unfortunately, in our case, when the vehicles go in for repairs, it does not happen quickly and can take weeks.”
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He said Edenvale had 31 new members after the last intake and looked forward to working with the SAPS and CPF in the future.
Highlighting crimes of concern, the Edenvale SAPS warned the community members of online fraud, urging them to be cautious when making online purchases and to verify all information related to the sale before buying.
After recent thefts, the SAPS advised the community members to keep a list of all serialised household items, which would help the police when investigating.
Edenvale SAPS Vispol commander Lieutenant Colonel Lionel Chetty said with the help of law enforcement partners, the ECPF and security companies, the station could force multiply (factors that give personnel or weapons the ability to accomplish greater feats than without them).
He said one reason for the many recent successes was the strong relationship between the Edenvale SAPS and its law enforcement partners.
“We need to get the message across that if you come to Edenvale and you fight with fire, you are going to get burnt,” said Chetty.
Damerell urged the community members’ stakeholders and law enforcement to continue working together to fight crime.
“We cannot implode from the inside; we must work together with all authorities. We have to show solidarity,” she said.
Email info@edenvalecpf.co.za for more information or visit its Facebook page.
