Primrose CPF tackles crime and service delivery at community meeting

Primrose CPF hosted their second annual community main meeting at Laerskool Die President on August 28.

Ward 36 Clr Wendy Morgan, CPF members of Sector 2 and 3 and EMPD as well as community members attended the meeting.
Concerns raised by residents were noted by the leaders of various portfolios.

Topping the list was issues of safety in Primrose and basic service delivery.

Addressing the audience, Morgan said it is time for residents to unite against common enemies including crime, poor service delivery and lack of infrastructure maintenance.

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She added that the Wychwood substation is occasionally affected by criminal elements which affect power supply to the neighbourhood.

At the time of the meeting, a cable supplying power to the substation was vandalized and repairs were underway.

Morgan encouraged residents to work hand in hand with law enforcement entities to combat crime in the neighbourhood.

She also highlighted that Primrose houses 80 liquor outlets, which is absurd.

“The liquor board needs to work with us closely and stop approving liquor licenses without proper zoning. We don’t need liquor outlets close to schools and churches,” said Morgan.

“Cable theft is a serious issue impacting various sectors, including power supply, transportation and communication. The decrease in overhead house cable theft and increase in municipal cable theft highlights the need for municipalities to take proactive measures to safeguard their properties,” said Morgan.

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CPF chairperson Tracy Enslin, who spearheaded the meeting, said that Primrose had been troubled by house break-ins, theft of motor vehicles and business robberies.

She urged residents to continue working with law enforcement agencies including the SAPS and security companies that operate in the area.

“With the CPF and security companies aiding the police, we believe we have enough resources to close down on criminals,” said Enslin.

“Residents have been reporting problematic areas that need police attention. We have closed at least two illegal liquor outlets in Primrose. We still urge operating liquor outlets to comply with the bylaws and close at regulated time,” said Enslin.

Reflecting on the meeting, she believes that the public is now more informed about operations to eradicate crime around Primrose and how can the community play its part.

“Residents need to know that some of the issues won’t be corrected overnight.

“We have also introduced the Primrose CPF Next Gen Programme, training the youth to carry the legacy of crime fighting in the area.

“The programme has emerged as a powerful force for crime prevention, youth development, and community service.

Since February, the group of initial 16 dedicated recruits is proving that young people have a meaningful role to play in building safer, stronger neighbourhoods.

The programme has seen the Next Gen team take part in a wide range of initiatives across the greater Primrose area.

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“We are introducing them to CPR and basic fire fighting training. Behind their visible impact lies a strong focus on personal growth, discipline, and readiness. Recruits patrol weekly, supported by monthly assessments to test both operational knowledge and theoretical understanding,” said Enslin.

Sector 2 chairperson Anna Marie praised the work done by community organisations to clean the Howe Circle in Sunnyridge and maintain it.

“We have less complains at the Circle since criminals have nowhere to hide. The grass has been cut, and trees have been trimmed.

“As a sector we continue to boost our community projects by hosting community fundraising events which happen every after two months with our next event happening in October.

She added that the sector has seen a decrease in contact crimes but house burglaries are a still a concern.