Barry leads Trichardt businesses
“Copper cable theft and illegal mining are on the increase, and it is my wish that the Trichardt Business Forum will help and support the police in curbing these issues.”
TRICHARDT – Mr Bernard (Barry) Liebenberg is the new chairman of the Trichardt Business Forum that was launched on Wednesday, 24 June at the Elim Conference Centre.
The vice chairman is Mr Tinus Olckers.
Other committee members are Ms Elzette Bargiacchi, secretary, Ms Esmeraldah Olckers, vice secretary, Ms Chantelle van As, treasurer, Mr Carel Nel, PRO, and Mr Mano Laia, vice PRO.
Mr Liebenberg said the CPF assists the police in the fight against crime, according to Legislation, as well as all other public service delivery divisions.
“Service delivery in Trichardt has been neglected and we have two choices, to complain or do something about it.
“Trichardt CPF has already made a difference and assisted in getting three more vehicles for the police station.
“We are also busy with a taxi rank project and are working towards launching a soup kitchen in Trichardt.”
Trichardt CPF consists of three structures, namely the Trichardt Sector Policing, the newly launched Business Forum and the Holfontein Sector Policing.
Const Valencia Koma from Trichardt Police Station, said the main crimes in Trichardt currently are business robberies, house breakings and contact crime, especially in the main street.
“Every sector of the community has their own needs, and the CPF must cater for these needs.
“The Trichardt Business Forum therefore assists businesses in the prevention of crime.”
Col Zelda Maluka attended the launch on behalf of the Cluster Commander and said she supports Trichardt CPF.
“Copper cable theft and illegal mining are on the increase, and it is my wish that the Trichardt Business Forum will help and support the police in curbing these issues.
“Where do the cables end up? At businesses!” she said.
Col Maluka said the forum must launch awareness campaigns about these and other crimes.
“The business forum must also be involved in police operations.”
Mr Sfiso Zitha, representative from the Govan Mbeki Municipality, said businesses need to be made aware of the municipal bylaws.
“Council has its own ‘cops’ and court for fines issued to people and business owners who have overstepped the bylaws,” he said.
* The Trichardt Business Forum meets every last Tuesday of the month at the Elim Conference Centre at 6pm and envites all business owners to join us to make a difference in our area.
The next meeting is on 28 July.
For more information, contact Ms Bargiacchi at 017 638 0103.
