MacKenzie resident takes on CPF PRO duty
When asked by the City Times how she feels about being in this position, she deemed the opportunity ‘super exciting’.
Newly elected CPF PRO Melanie Kruger is excited to ensure a good relationship between the community and the relevant policing forums.
The Mackenzie Park resident first explained the roles of the CPF before further explaining her role as the PRO:
These [roles] are listed as, but not limited, to:
• Being the eyes and ears of the SAPS
• Bridge the gap between the community and the police etc.
Therefore, the role of a PRO is to:
• Open the channel of communication between the community and the police and vice versa.
• Identify and introduce other needed and valuable partnerships, to assist in reducing crime in Benoni.
“The role of a PRO is paramount to us (CPF) achieving our primary goals as listed above. By achieving this, we will, as a community, reduce the levels of crime,” she explained.
“It is also the channel used to invite the community members to join and support the CPF and also to encourage community participation in the activities, training offerings and the various crime combatting programmes hosted by the CPF.”
Kruger’s term as a PRO will be effective until the next general election in 2024.
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“There is a prescribed election process that is followed as with any other CPF election and in the presence of SAPS management,” she explained.
“It starts with a nomination or nominations, followed by secondments and lastly we have the votes of the members of the executive.
“I will be taking care of the entire area serviced by the Benoni SAPS.”
When asked by the City Times how she feels about her election, she deemed the opportunity ‘super exciting’.
“I have so many ideas on how to grow the CPF membership, how to bring the community and the police together, and how to reduce the levels of crime including violent crimes, gender-based violence and crimes against the vulnerable. I now have the opportunity to put those plans into action,” she said,
“I know and I realise that I have a mammoth task ahead of me but I am committed to fulfilling my obligation to our policing partners and my community.”
She also provided goals of herself that she aspires to reach during her term.
“I am going to be busy in Benoni (in a good way). Between myself and the SAPS communications officer/s, we will regularly share safety tips on various platforms, we will keep you informed of any crime trends and hotspots to look out for,” she said.
“In addition to this, I will be introducing you to the members of the Benoni CPF, sector by sector and portfolio by portfolio. You can expect training offerings and crime combatting programmes advertised on various platforms. At the same time, I would love to hear from the community as well.
“We welcome your suggestions, comments, compliments and complaints and any useful information you would like to share. “
The breakdown of the CPF sectors in Benoni is as follows:
• Sector One: Rynfield, Morehill and Rynfield AH
• Sector Two: Northmead, Airfield, Farrarmere, Alphen Park, Goedeburg, Arrowe Park and Northvilla
• Sector Three: Benoni AH, Nortons Home Estates and Brentwood Park
• Sector Four: Western Extension and Benoni CBD
• Sector Five: Lakefield and Lakefield Ext 21
• Sector Six: Apex, Rynsoord, New Modder, Mackenzie Park North, Mackenzie Park South, Dewald Hattingh Park, Golden Drive and Msholozi
• Sector Seven: Lindelani, Kingsway, Alliance, Marikana and Modderbee.
Kruger can be contacted on 084 244 7424 or kruger.melanie@gmail.com
