With a focus on reducing crime and bringing criminals to book, the Executive Committee of the Community Police Forum (CPF) brainstormed their plans on doing just that at a meeting on Thursday, January 29.  Chairperson Reverend Kwazi Nduli led the meeting. The members met at the police station in Albert Street to brainstorm plans, discuss ideas and give a summary of goals, which are to be adopted during the year.

The meeting began on a high note when members were notified that festive season crime curbing went extremely well. The CPF Executive Committee are prepared to tackle community issues, as they believe that behind every community issue is a crime waiting to unfold. Further concerns raised by members included illegal dumping, permit checks for foreigners, business burglaries, overgrown grass and house break-ins.

All present were unhappy about the overgrown grass verges.  “This will soon become a hiding place for criminals, we will not tolerate this, something needs to be done,” said Rev Nduli firmly.  All matters, which the municipality is responsible for, were relayed to a municipal representative.Those present were advised to inform their communities of a new trend, where flat-screen plasma televisions are being stolen for a powdery substance inside the TV, as it’s said to be a key ingredient when manufacturing the ‘woonga’ drug.

Estcourt Detectives also warn business owners to be on the lookout for criminals posing as customers lurking around your store before closing hours, that’s when they make their move and rob your business. In the name of a crime free community, the chairmen of CPF sub-forums will be invited to meet and discuss plans on how to reduce crime in each ward and reach the zero percent crime rate goal.