Brakpan SAPS social crime prevention and communications officer Constable Audrey Buthelezi attended a meeting at the police station’s boardroom on September 3, alongside CPF patrollers from all local sectors and Siyabangena patrollers.

 The meeting was steered by CPF patrol officer Martin Behrmann, in the presence of CPF interim chairperson Simon Mabuse.

 “The SAPS attended the CPF patrollers meeting to ensure effective community policing. The meeting was a platform for collaboration between the police and CPF patrollers to discuss crime issues, share intelligence, and plan patrols,” Buthelezi explained.

 “By being involved, SAPS helps to create a more proactive and aware community, which is essential for crime prevention and public safety.”

 The CPF patrol officers from each sector presented a brief crime overview, highlighted the most problematic and common crimes, and listed current hot spots.

 The patrollers agreed that working together against crime can yield positive results in the fight against crime.

 “Regular basic CPF patrollers training, scene management training and new members recruitment drives were highlighted as a priority,” said Buthelezi.

 Buthelezi encouraged the patrollers and said SAPS cannot win the fight against crime without them.

 She added that in areas where CPF patrollers are active, crime rates drop significantly because criminals know someone is always watching.

 Buthelezi continued by assuring the CPF patrollers that the SAPS has been and will always be by their side as a supporting structure.

 She encouraged reviving a watertight collaboration, staying connected with SAPS, staying visible, and remaining committed.

 The SAPS urges community members to support CPF patrollers and the SAPS by reporting incidents and suspicions immediately.

 Community members are encouraged to join the CPF so that they can contribute to crime prevention efforts intended to create a safer living environment for all.

 “When the next generation asks what you did to make your community safer, you can be able to say, ‘We stood together, we refused to give up, and we made a difference’,” said Buthelezi.

 “Let us be united in purpose, determined in action, and confident in victory.”