Trichardt-residents discuss issues at CPF meeting
Get involved with fighting crime in your area.
The local Community Policing Forum (CPF) held a meeting on Wednesday, August 10 to discuss issues in Trichardt.
Clarke van der Walt, chairman of the Trichardt CPF, said it is sad to see such few people showing up for the meeting, but yet the issues discussed affect all residents of Trichardt.
Martin van Wyk gave feedback about the street lights and said he discussed the issue with Govan Mbeki Municipality’s officials and the problem is money.
He suggested municipal workers do an audit on broken street lights.
If a resident then wants the street lights in front of their house repaired and is able to buy the necessary materials, the municipal workers do the work.
The CPF can also help residents if they want to patch potholes themselves.
Van der Walt spoke about a town clean up and said although it is not the CPF’s job, residents will have to do it themselves if the mess becomes a problem.
DA Councillor, Ciska Jordaan, said illegal dumping places in Trichardt are a big problem.
She has launched cleaning campaigns before, but some of these sites cannot be cleaned up by hand.
She has reported it to the municipal officials who said they will add it on their list of places to clean up.
“Trichardt is currently third on their list,” said Jordaan.
Van der Walt said since the CPF began patrolling, the crime in Trichardt decreased.
Members of Trichardt Police also attended the meeting and said more than 20 burglary were reported in June, but only four in July.
Capt Charles Mngomezulu, station commander, thanked the CPF members for their help in fighting crime.
“The patrols are making a difference, thanks for every contribution,” said Van der Walt.
“R100 might not be a lot of money, but it does make a difference to put fuel in our vehicles to patrol.
“Visibility is very important in Trichardt.
“If the criminals see us patrolling at night, they disappear for the rest of the night.”
Several business owners also attended the meeting and said they will contribute towards the Trichardt CPF’s operations.
Trucks damaging the roads in Trichardt and prostitutions were some of the other issues raised at the meeting.
The CPF management plans erect up two signs to prevent trucks from driving through the streets of Trichardt.
The police members said it is difficult to deal with the prostitutes as they cannot be arrested for just standing on the street corners.
Trichardt CPF’s first clean up campaign will take place on Saturday, August 20 and everyone is welcome to join them.
They will focus on the area between Barney Molokwane Street, Vincent Tshabalala Street and Richter Street.
Van der Walt said there will also be a TLB on the day to help with the cleaning.
The CPF will begin at 08:00 on the corner of Vincent Tshabalala Street and Richter Street.
“We also have a sponsorship for food and something to drink, so please make yourself available on the day and come and help us,” said Van der Walt.
If you want to get involved with Trichardt CPF, support them or join the cleaning campaign on August 20, contact 079 985 4343.
