Stalls brimming with handmade goods and aromatic flavours filling the air beckoned members of the community to support the Benoni CPF Sector 6 pop-up market, on October 11.

Clad in their reflective jackets, sector patrollers ushered vendors and customers onto the fields of the Benoni Muslim School to unify for a day of fun.

Sector chairperson Zaheer Kadir said the day is aimed at raising much needed funds to better serve the communities that fall under its watch, while contributing to a year-end event that will recognise and honour its members who selflessly volunteer their time in an effort to create a safer environment for all its residents.

Serving Apex, Golden Drive, Mackenzie North, Mackenzie South, Rynsoord, New Modder, Msholozi and Benoni South Industrial, Kadir said more patrollers have raised their hands to assist.

“Our sector is vast and the demand for essential resources is constantly growing,” he said.

“The market gives members of the community the opportunity to contribute to our operational needs, while their support is a nod to stand united in the fight against crime.”

He continued by saying that the CPF used to merely serve and the eyes and ears of the South African Police Service but a lack of resources at station level has necessitated that the movement became an operational extension of its services.

“No one understands the community, its movements and its heartbeat better than the residents themselves,” he said.

“The CPF and its various sectors have become invaluable resources to the SAPS by actively participating in crime prevention efforts.”

In an effort to give thanks to those who are dedicated to serving the community, Kadir hopes to use some of the funds raised through the market to host an appreciation evening in their honour.

“Their efforts have not gone unnoticed and I would like to give my thanks to their continued support,” he said.

ALSO READ: CPF not impressed with ‘Homeless Man’ TikTok prank

ALSO READ: CPF’s Santa needs your sweet treats