Bonaero Park CPF chairperson urges residents to help fight crime
Over the past 12 years, Viljoen has remained committed to serving her community by working closely with residents, SAPS, and fellow CPF volunteers to help make Bonaero Park a safer place.
Bonaero Park Sector 6 CPF chairperson Vonita Viljoen believes a safer community begins with residents who are willing to get involved.
Viljoen joined the CPF in 2014 and has remained committed to serving the community by working closely with residents, SAPS and fellow volunteers to help make Bonaero Park a safer place.
“Every patrol is different,” she said. “Some shifts are quiet, while others involve responding to accident or crime scenes. We secure the area until emergency services arrive and monitor crime hotspots.
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“As CPF members, we are the eyes and ears of the community and help build a strong partnership between residents and SAPS.”
Viljoen said some of the biggest challenges facing volunteers include poor street lighting, house numbers that are difficult to identify and lengthy waiting times for SAPS.
Despite these challenges, she finds volunteering rewarding.
“Knowing that our presence helps make the community safer and brings people together makes it all worthwhile,” she said.
Volunteering with the CPF has also taught her valuable life lessons.
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“It has taught me compassion, patience and the importance of teamwork. A good CPF member stays calm under pressure, is committed, objective and always willing to help others.”
Viljoen believes community involvement is essential in the fight against crime.
“Residents can help by reporting suspicious activity, sharing valuable information and supporting volunteer patrollers, who often use their own vehicles and fuel to serve the community,” she said.
She encouraged anyone interested in joining the CPF to first understand the responsibilities involved.
“Joining the CPF is a meaningful way to help keep your community safe, but it is important to understand the legal boundaries, responsibilities and time commitment involved,” she said.
Viljoen hopes to see stronger cooperation between residents, the CPF and SAPS in the years ahead.
“My hope for the future is to see stronger partnerships between the community, the CPF and SAPS so that together we can create a safer environment for everyone.”
Residents interested in joining the CPF must:
• Be a South African citizen.
• Be at least 18 years old.
• Have no criminal record.
• Live or work within the police station precinct or sector where they wish to volunteer.
