LIMPOPO – An act of honesty by community policing forum (CPF) volunteer Anifa Manganyi has highlighted the power of integrity in strengthening trust and safety within communities.

Manganyi, 43, from Kheyi village in Giyani, demonstrated exceptional moral character when she returned R3 000 in cash that had been left behind at an ATM at Masingita Mall on Friday, February 6.

It happened during the busy lunch hour when a community member unknowingly left the money in the ATM. Manganyi, who was off duty at the time, noticed the unattended cash and took it to the bank.

Reflecting on her actions, Manganyi said they were guided by the values she upholds as a CPF volunteer, including honesty, accountability, and dedication to serving the community. “I cannot be part of any crime while I am working hard and passionately to protect and alert communities,” she said.

While CPF members serve as part of a community support structure that’s linked to the police and promotes cooperation between police and communities in crime prevention and victim support, they do not receive salaries.

Despite this, Manganyi has dedicated the past five years to working alongside the police as a CPF member to help improve safety in her community.

Her presence is often visible during high-risk periods such as the month-end, when incidents of robbery, scams, fraud, and theft tend to increase around town.

Beyond crime prevention, Manganyi is also a passionate advocate for gender-based violence and femicide. She described the fight against gender-based violence as a joint effort that requires community involvement.

“I hope one day we will win that war, where couples resolve conflicts peacefully, and children can play safely in our streets,” she said.

In recognition of her honesty and dedication, Mopani District commissioner Maj Gen Willy Mashava and Giyani Station commander Brig Khutso Solomon Serakwana invited her to the SAPS district office in Giyani on Tuesday, where she was formally recognised as one of the trusted CPF members.

According to police provincial spokesperson Sgt Maphure Manamela, she was recognised for being a loyal CPF member and has been marked for official recognition at the SAPS District Excellence Awards.