Residents will triumph over crime
Police and CPF met with Brakpan North residents about starting street patrols in the area.
Brakpan SAPS Sector 1 manager Constable Audrey Buthelezi gathered the community of Brakpan North last Friday evening for a meeting about street patrols as a measure to combat criminal activities in the suburb.
The meeting was held at the Sherwood Shopping Centre. Buthelezi was supported by the town’s CPF chairperson Tinus Jordaan and CPF Sector 1 chairperson Michael Janse van Rensburg.
“Brakpan North contributes highly on the SAPS crime statistics, primarily with burglaries and theft,” said Buthelezi, who saw it fit for the community to take charge of their area by starting their own form of policing.
Jordaan explained patrolling to the community members and propositions were made on how to start street patrols.
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Van Rensburg pointed out the streets in need of attention and some residents also voiced their concerns.
Buthelezi implored residents to participate in the patrols because it is for their own protection and to protect their properties and families against criminals.
Residents were encouraged to start WhatsApp groups, on which they can inform, report and alert each other about daily activities within the area. It was stated residents of a street must patrol their own street and take turns.
“They were again reminded to prioritise patrols during load-shedding. The residents were also encouraged to become CPF members,” said Buthelezi.
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After the meeting, the community members were invited to join a mass patrol in Brakpan North.
“SAPS, the CPF and residents patrolled the area till the late night hours,” said Buthelezi.
“The aim of this initiative is to enable residents to always be a step ahead of the criminals.
“The SAPS will always be there to assist in any way but the SAPS needs the communities to rise up and take hands with them.
“The initiative was worthwhile and united. The community of Brakpan North will triumph and crime will ultimately subside.”
