Meet Norkem Park CPF’s new committee
The committee was elected on July 13 and already has a plan of action to help eradicate crime in the community.
Norkem Park CPF has a new executive committee that is ready to hit the ground running.
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Chris Denga, the newly elected chairperson, shared how a partnership is among the forum’s focus.
“The plan is to work on a partnership with the Norkem Park Police Station with crime prevention.
As the community, we are the eyes and ears of the police because crime happens within our communities.
“By taking a proactive role we can prevent crime before it happens,” said Denga.
“We have patrollers, which means we have the manpower and can assist the police with operations and patrolling among other things.”
Denga said although eradicating crime, in general, is their main plan of action, certain crimes have also been identified as being more troublesome. This includes car hijackings which, according to Sergeant Barbara-Anne Ferreira, have increased.
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Ferreira, who is the spokesperson for Norkem Park SAPS, mentioned the corner of the P91 (R25) and Rienert Avenue is a hot spot for hijackings.
“Motorists are advised to be alert at all times, especially while at that intersection. The times that most of these hijackings occur is between 16:00 and 22:00,” explained Ferreira.
Denga and Ferreira also agreed that people who visit family and friends shouldn’t sit in their vehicles outside of properties as they are vulnerable to hijacks.
Denga added that the visibility and movement of police and patrollers need to increase.
The committee’s treasurer, Gina Jacobs, stressed the importance of reporting crime at the police station.
“Residents need to report incidents and crime no matter how big or small; this helps police identify areas where they need to intensify visibility and force among other things,” said Jacobs.
“We see these incidents being reported on the WhatsApp groups, however, they don’t follow through with opening cases and that sends out a wrong signal that there is no crime in the area.
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“Even when there might be a spike in one of the crime trends, it will be hard to show if they are not being reported.”
Oupa Mojapelo, the forum’s deputy chairperson, agreed with Jacobs about the importance of reporting crime at the police station.
“Residents also need to understand that resources at the police station are also negatively impacted when we don’t report on crime happening in our area.
“As mentioned, with no crimes being reported it appears as if there is no crime, which results in fewer resources being allocated such as vehicles, manpower and joint operations,” echoed Mojalefa.
“More community meetings will be held and we encourage residents to these meetings.
“Some residents still don’t know about the CPF.
“At such meetings, residents will learn more about CPF and gain more knowledge on what is happening in the area.”
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“Denga said the committee’s plan of action includes restoring the community’s confidence in the policing.
“I think people don’t report certain crimes anymore because they have lost confidence in the police.
“Residents want support. For example, after an incident has occurred it would be great for police or patrollers to revisit the victims to find out how they are doing and offer support,” explained Denga.
Jacobs also added: “Remember, police are there to fight crime and we as patrollers and community members should be there to offer support.”
The committee has a Facebook Page called ‘Norkem Park CPF Page’.
Norkem Park CPF’s newly elected executive committee:
• Chris Denga – chairperson
• Oupa Mojapelo – deputy chairperson
• Gina Jacobs – treasurer
• Phelisa Mbanjwa – secretary
• Monique Brooke – deputy secretary
• Crystal John – PRO
• Jason Van Gemert – patrol coordinator
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