THE Greenwood Park Community Policing Forum (CPF) will host a Crime Awareness Day on Saturday, August 23, at Parkhill Secondary School, bringing together law enforcement, security companies, learners, and residents for a day of education, awareness, and community building.

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Chairperson of the Greenwood Park CPF Sub-Forum 2, Danusha Makan-Maharaj, said the event is aimed at strengthening ties between communities and crime-fighting stakeholders.

“The main purpose is to bring awareness to the communities we serve of the work of the CPF and all the roleplayers we work with. It is an opportunity for the community to come meet our local heroes from SAPS, Metro Police, and all the security companies, including their local CPF members,” she said.

The programme will highlight critical issues such as gender-based violence and domestic violence, and how these often feed into crimes like hijackings and robberies.

Learners from Parkhill Secondary will perform a dramatic sketch on domestic violence and a Sarafina dance piece, while drum majorettes and local security companies will add to the action with live demonstrations.

Attendees can expect simulated hijacking scenarios, K9 demonstrations, an extrication drill by the eThekwini Fire Department, and displays by SAPS and Metro Police units. Security companies, including Fidelity ADT, Blue Security, Marshall Security, Excellerate, Swift, Nettow, and Shield Private Security, will showcase their vehicles, equipment, and community initiatives. Fidelity ADT’s helicopter and firetruck are set to be crowd favourites. HelpMe SA will also promote their security app.

Makan-Maharaj said the CPF hopes to use the event to recruit new members and expand its network of active volunteers.

“Sign up to be a part of the change. It requires just one hour a week of patrolling and being part of a team determined to make our streets safer, one street at a time,” she said

She added that the CPF is particularly concerned about the recent rise in vehicle thefts and attempted hijackings in the area.

“If we adopt the ethos of ‘each one helps one,’ we can solve half the problems we face as communities. Looking out for your neighbour means securing your road, and street by street, we can drive out criminal elements. The message we want to send is: not on our watch.”

Also at the event will be the original KITT from Knightrider and one lucky person will win a ‘spin’ in the talking car. There will also be a raffle for a helicopter ride to Virginia Airport from the venue, among other raffle prizes and giveaways.

A live animal and reptile display, face painting, mendhi (henna) art and kiddies activities will keep the young ones entertained and, for hungry tummies, delicious food and beverages will be on sale.

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