Brakpan police attended an official handover of new CPF equipment to community patrollers on December 10.

Among those present were Brakpan SAPS Vispol support head Lieutenant Colonel Pearl Van Staad, sector managers Sergeant Elvis Mashifane and Constable Audrey Buthelezi, together with Brakpan CPF deputy chairperson Simon Mabuse and a CPF member from the Mkhancwa informal settlement.

The handover was held at Sibanye-Stillwater in Vulcania.

“Sibanye-Stillwater invited the stakeholders to witness the handover of CPF equipment to beneficiaries from Wright Park and Rietvlei under the Springs policing area, as well as Plot 97 (Mkhancwa informal settlement) under the Brakpan policing area.

“The brand-new equipment is intended to encourage and motivate CPF patrollers as their work alongside SAPS in the fight against crime,” said Buthelezi, who is also the station’s communications officer.

The Sibanye team was led by Mpho Tlaka, who stated they believe this contribution will strengthen relationships between the beneficiaries and the mine as a business.

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Also in attendance was Ward 82 Clr Thulani Simelane, who welcomed everyone and thanked Sibanye-Stillwater, and the CPF representatives from Brakpan, Wright Park and Rietvlei.

The equipment, shared among the three beneficiaries, included winter jackets, reflector jackets, torches, whistles, two-way radios, and sun hats.

Beneficiaries were given an opportunity to express their gratitude to the mine, sharing their excitement and noting how the equipment will make their patrols easier and more manageable.

Van Staad applauded Sibanye-Stillwater for their generosity, noting that the donation forms part of their continued contribution to the fight against crime.

She further urged CPF leaders to guide their members responsibly, encourage them positively, and ensure that official CPF equipment is not misused.

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