Your CPF is protecting you while you sleep
These dedicated and hard-working neighbours who patrol the streets at night do it all to keep their communities safe.
In the quiet hours of the night, the CPF in Sector 2 Wierdabrug diligently patrols the streets, working to ensure the safety and security of the community.
Rekord recently joined a ride-along to get a first-hand look at the invaluable work undertaken by these dedicated community volunteers.
The patrol from 02:00 to 04:00 was a quiet one, but the dedicated CPF members diligently patrolled the streets.
Heading the CPF is Stephan Heyneke, who has been a part of this essential community service for four years.
Heyneke said he joined the CPF because his experience working in emergency services had shown him how important it was for community members to get involved.
Most of the time, patrols can be uneventful, with patrollers looking for anything out of the ordinary.
“What we do when we drive is we look for any open gate, or something that is out of the ordinary.
“When we see a gate that is open, we will try to make contact with the owners or the security company that looks after that house,” he said.
The patrollers drive with their windows open so they can utilise all their senses.
At some point, they heard a house alarm and after checking in on the home, they reported the incident to the security company.
De Kock, who is passionate about her community, knows the home owners and called them to make sure they were safe before moving on with the patrol.
The family could continue sleeping in peace.
The CPF maintains strong connections with local security companies too, and calls for help when needed.
A stop at a local petrol station to stock up on coffee is par for the course.
De Kock and Heyneke meet with Christo Du Toit and Mark Venter, who were just coming off their shift, to trade important information about what to look out for and what had been observed earlier in the evening.
Vice-chairperson Erika De Kock is a committed member of the CPF, who later had the CPF logo tattooed on her.
She enjoys the late night patrols.
“The nice thing about the time slot (02:00) is that there often isn’t anyone on the road. So if we do come across someone, then chances are that they might be up to something.”
Heyneke said some residents don’t always understand the role of the CPF.
“Sometimes people are confused about what we do. We don’t have jurisdiction to pull over cars or anything like that. Basically, our mandate is eyes and ears of the police.”
The CPF’s role, mandated by SAPS, is to facilitate communication between the community and law enforcement.
Wierdabrug is divided into three sectors, each with its own forum: Valhalla (Sector 1), Wierdapark and Eldoraigne (Sector 3), and Rooihuiskraal and The Reeds (Sector 2).
“Each police station must have a CPF to help it run the station. This helps give police a community focus. It’s about getting the inputs from the street groups to the CPF and from us to the SAPS.”
The executive committee, comprising chairs and vice-chairs from all CPFs and sectors, meets with the SAPS, TMPD and local security companies monthly to discuss community issues, address concerns, and to strengthen the relationship between law enforcement and the community.
“The number of CPF members patrolling at any time depends on who is available and how many members the CPF has,” said De Kock.
While efforts are made to have at least one vehicle on the road during evenings and early mornings, CPF members also respond during the day to address problems promptly.
De Kock and Heyneke encouraged residents across Centurion to engage with their local CPFs and join local security groups.
Heyneke said this was especially important going into the festive season, as certain crimes traditionally peak during this time as people might be away for the holiday.
Contact numbers:
Sector 1 Bronberrick, Clubview, Eldo Falls, Hennops Park, Monrick and Valhalla – 079 733 2138 or 079 733 2149
Sector 2 in Gateway, Rooihuiskraal, and The Reeds – 076 883 2437
Sector 3 in Amberfield, Celtisdal, Eldoraigne, Heuweloord, Raslouw, Rooihuiskraal North, Wierda Glen and Wierdapark – 072 822 9312.
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