With a strong focus on reducing crime in the central business district, the new Executive Committee of the Community Police Forum (CPF) made their plans public at a meeting on Thursday, September 4. Led by Chairperson Reverend Kwazi Nduli, the members met at the police station in Albert Street to discuss future plans, update members of new ideas and give an overview of the CPF’s goals.

The meeting began on a positive note when members were notified that Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras have been given the go-ahead and plans should be set in motion by the end of September. This was welcomed by those present who agreed that surveillance cameras would be useful in identifying crime as it happens and reviewing crime scenes when evidence is needed. Further concerns raised by members present included shebeens, urinating in public, illegal dumping, permit checks for foreigners and fraud cases.

Consensus was that the community is an essential partner in reducing these crimes. “Our goal is zero crime in our town and we can achieve this if we involve all government departments, including the municipality as well as the private sector. We also need 100 percent support from the police,” he said. He called on active support for the CPF by the taxi industry and business sector, specifically when a member mentioned that local businesses are not supported. A call for fully functional CPF sub-forums was made, as these groupings help reduce crime in each ward.