Elsburg CPF appeals for financial assistance

The Elsburg Community Policing Forum has asked for financial assistance to fund their daily expenses.

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The forum promotes itself as an active crime-fighting stakeholder, operating under the jurisdiction of Elsburg SAPS in sector 1.

The GCN spoke with Fanie Venter (PRO) and Patricia Gouws (treasurer).

Their concerns were that, as a volunteer organisation, they do not receive funding or financial support from government sectors.

“Active members pay a membership fee. With the majority of members being pensioners, the funds are often not enough to cover the costs.

“The difficulty is that young people want to be paid to participate in the forum. This is a similar gesture to the youth of Buhle Park,” said Gouws.

“Because of the high crime rate in Buhle Park, we wanted to open another office to help combat crime there,” she said.

The CPF is engaged in the community, combatting crime and collaborating with the local SAPS to patrol and host operations.

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“We go to schools to create a healthy learning environment for both students and teachers. Elspark High School is one of our sector’s problematic schools.”

“We also visit old age homes and distribute food and sometimes Bibles, with our chaplain, at schools and events. The chaplain is also available for counselling.

“He also organises food and clothing drives. The most serious problem in the neighbourhood is the abuse of alcohol and drugs.

“Residents go to great lengths to steal metal for fast cash, making the metal scrapyard a thorn in our flesh,” said Gouws.

ALSO READ: Elsburg CPF pleads for funds to help fight crime

Fanie Venter said to achieve their mission, they need to buy and maintain their own uniforms and equipment.

“As a result, we host numerous fundraising events, such as a boerewors braai and clothing sales to collect revenue,” said Venter.

“We have new members but need more young individuals, especially to help us fight crime.

“It is disheartening to see elders working tirelessly to build a crime-free society while young people who will live on the same streets for the next 30 years do nothing,” said Venter.

“Electricity infrastructure is always in jeopardy. Following the incident at Cruywagen Park, we had to place our members where municipality personnel were repairing electrical cables so they could feel safe and comfortable.

Keep in mind our members are largely pensioners who work the same shift every day,” he said.

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“I believe it time for us to receive the attention we deserve in the community, which begins with people respecting our work and refraining from disparaging us in public,” said Venter.

“We would like to thank an anonymous donor who recently provided us with new uniforms, including flashlights, jackets, bulletproof vests, handcuffs, and other accessories,” said Venter.

For further information on the forum, call 0727661613.

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