Sunnyside CPF calls on community to join fight against common robberies
“We are concerned about a high number of common robberies in the area where a lot of residents are pepper-sprayed and robbed of their belongings.”
The Sunnyside CPF are worried about the high number of common robberies in their area and urged residents to stand up and fight.
“Sunnyside is now known as a notorious area where criminals often terrorise residents,” CPF secretary Samuel Boshego told Rekord.
“We are concerned about the robberies in which many residents are pepper-sprayed and robbed of their belongings.”
The latest police crime statistics showed that the Sunnyside police station is one of the top 30 stations in the country when it comes to robberies.
Boshego said it was time more community members stand up and defend themselves, adding that this did not mean taking the law into their own hands.
“It means joining a recognised structure such as the CPF and working with the police in ensuring that robbers were brought to book.”
He urged residents to take advantage of the fact that the Sunnyside CPF is currently in a good state.
“The executive members are performing their duties well and the organisation does not have any early resignations – as was the problem in the past.
“Everyone elected at the annual general meeting, which took place early last year, is still working hard for the organisation,” he said.
Boshego said it was the first time in many years the CPF structure had an intact executive for almost a year as next month (February) will mark one year in office.
“Our executive members are active, supportive and represent the community well.”
He said this was an achievement and that having a well-functioning structure was one of their main objectives.
“In the past, some elected executive members served in their positions for about three months and resigned, which hindered the work of the CPF. We are quite happy with our achievement and believe that we will continue delivering an excellent service to the CPF for our community members to be safe.”
He said they had a good relationship with the police which was important in ensuring that the community members work with the law enforcement agency effectively.
“Our role as community members is to help the police fight crime.”
He said they had ensured that various structures including patrollers’ forum, youth desk, caretakers’ forum, and business against crime had been established and were fully functional in the area.
“These structures play an important role in helping the police fight crime.”
Boshego warned residents about criminals using pepper spray when robbing people of their valuables.
“This happens in areas including Greef, Sobukwe and Troye streets.”
Most victims were people who visited entertainment areas and leave late or in the early hours of the morning.
Boshego said the CPF has held several operations in a bid to solve the problem of robberies in the area.
“We urge community members to be vigilant and avoid being victims. It is important for everyone, especially first-year students, to know that Sunnyside is a dangerous area.”
He said criminals targeted valuables including cell phones. He also urged residents to avoid carrying gadgets when walking around Sunnyside.
Last month, Gauteng community safety MEC Faith Mazibuko and Sunnyside police station commander Brigadier Matshidiso Kgoadi led a community march in Sunnyside aimed at discouraging criminals in the area.
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