CPF members in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng have stood shoulder to shoulder with law enforcement to protect life and property.

If called upon to do so, we will act in this precinct too, acting as force multipliers under the instruction of SAPS, within the confines of our mandates and the law, whilst supporting law enforcement in our jurisdiction to maintain calm and productively manage incidents of volatility.

We will draw on our excellent networks with law enforcement, private security and other CPFs which we have forged over the years to police the precinct to the best of our ability.

We have reaction plans in place that will be put into operation in the event of looting in our precinct.

The main threat seems to be from our boundary to the west with Soweto as looting in the Baragwanath area may spill over to Southgate Mall and Comptonville. There is a heavy police presence there. The situation can change, and we are monitoring the precinct closely.

There were flashpoints in Selby and parts of Alberton overnight and looting may reach our precinct.

I appeal for calm from residents. We need to de-escalate tensions and violence. Do not distribute inflammatory posts on social media but, by all means, do report potential flashpoints or criminal activity to the SAPS or CPF if you have first-hand knowledge of these or very reliable information.

Yesterday, the Gauteng Provincial Police Board issued a statement which I shared with you, among others, condemning violence and unlawful activity as it is not a productive means of bringing attention to the grievances of citizens.

In the context of violent protest, opportunistic criminals take advantage of mob mentality and spur on acts of criminality for their own benefit. The crux of the cause and matters which need urgent attention, get lost in the mayhem. We echo those calls.

Let me leave you for now with this message from one of our residents and a friend: “When you can’t control what is happening, challenge yourself to control how you respond to what’s happening. Therein lies your power.”

Be Safe
Mike Fontes
Mondeor CPF Chairperson