Primrose CPF intensifies fight against murder and illegal mining

Primrose CPF chairperson Tracy Enslins’ goals for 2024 will focus on resources for members and intensifying the fight against crimes, which include illegal mining and murder.

Despite her description of Primrose as a ‘murder hotspot’ with 51 murder inquiries between July and October last year, Enslin believes that the CPF, as a law enforcement stakeholder, will combat crime under the auspices of the SAPS.

Illegal mining

Primrose has gained attention for confronting crimes linked to illegal mining.

Enslin said procedures will be in place to safeguard the public and stop the proliferation of these illegal operations.

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She said there are still illegal mining prevention operations going on, involving a variety of stakeholders such as the SAPS, security companies and specialised forces.

There have been difficulties, despite the CPF’s constant commitment to ensuring the Primrose community’s effective protection and improved quality of life.

“Dealing with dishonest police personnel presents the largest obstacle,” said Enslin.

“There are claims that police officers are accompanying undocumented miners at night.

“Our faith in our officers and station is undermined by these revelations. If sufficient evidence is gathered, corrupt officers will be arrested and charged.”

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According to Enslin, the community will benefit from increased law enforcement presence in the Primrose suburbs and informal settlements as well as ongoing, open communication between residents, CPF, SAPS, EMPD and other stakeholders.

“The problem we have is a scarcity of both supplies and police patrol cars.

“There are a maximum of two police cars available for patrols. Working tools and uniforms are also lacking for the CPF.”

Germiston intelligence unit and murders

“The fact that we established fresh ties with the Germiston Crime Intelligence Unit is a plus.

“It is troubling that our station was placed among the district’s bottom 10 stations. Zama-zama’s associated activities made a significant contribution to those figures.”

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Enslin went on to say that this year, working with other stakeholders, the primary goal would be to reduce the crime numbers.

“Our community was rocked by home invasions and break-ins last year. We advise homeowners to bolster security and make inexpensive system investments, such as adding a panic button for emergency assistance.

“Our security companies have been of great assistance in stopping home invasions and house break-ins. When we have made arrests, that has been our success.”

Human trafficking

“As we saw with human trafficking last year, it is a concern.”

It is advised that the locals report any suspicious activity in the neighbourhood.

“Report it if you see a residence with card box-covered windows and spray-painted windows. Report your neighbour’s house if there is a strong, nasty stench coming from it.

“In one residence we visited, the toilets were buckets, which needed to be emptied daily and this was not the case.

“Other signs include late-night home activity and the coming and going of late-night and mid-morning cars.”

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Liquor outlets

“We have been closely collaborating with the liquor board. We have reported establishments that do not comply. We have all the managers on a WhatsApp group that we have set up to further monitor these locations.

“In many cases, noise and closing hours are still a challenge but we have seen some improvements,” said Enslin.

“Owners are starting to work closely with us. One time noise was reported and we spoke directly to the owner and it was quiet.

“The SAPS has already made arrests, which has assisted in curbing public drinking. Every three months, we have a meeting with the SAPS and the liquor store proprietors (owners).

“To comply, a liquor store must have a manager on duty, a clean and functional toilet, a fire extinguisher, and a liquor licence.”

CPF assistance

“We require help with torches and reflector jackets so that we may carry on with our work. These are also for our patrol officers who work in the informal settlements.

“Normally, we host fundraising events every year, but since Covid-19, we have struggled to stay afloat. Our reliance on public donations and charity grows as a result. The work that our patrollers conduct is also voluntary.

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“Bulletproofing is one of our investment portfolio items. We also get to help the communities of Wychwood and Simmerfields with their road closure processes.

“There has been a sharp increase in house breakings in that area. Crime in that section has been impacted by the illegal mining from the dumping site.

Contact crime
“Workers performing maiden duties and school learners have been victims of contact, smash, and crab offences.

“We advise against wearing earbuds when walking on the streets. Walk in pairs from home and back,” said Enslin.