Norwood CPF Sector 1 reflects on five years of transformation and security improvements
Residents and police joined forces at the CPF Sector 1 AGM to tackle crime, security, and urban challenges.
The Norwood Community Policing Forum (CPF) Sector 1 held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on February 10, marking the end of a transformative five-year term. Under Wayne Preston’s leadership as Chair of the Norwood CPF, the CPF has played a crucial role in strengthening security, building strategic partnerships, and addressing key crime challenges in the area.
Read more: Norwood – Dont miss the CPF Sector 1 general public meeting
From crisis to community force
When the current team took over in 2019, the CPF was broken and disbanded. Within months, they established Sector 1, led by Colin Wasserfal, and laid the foundation for a stronger, more effective crime-fighting initiative. Over the years, under Sector 1 Chair, Larry Marks, they tackled some of the area’s biggest security concerns, including:Abandoned and hijacked properties in Houghton.
• Illegal traders and drug spotters on Corlett Drive and Oxford Road.
• The rise of Rolex gangs targeting high-end individuals.
• Assisted an under-resourced Norwood SAPS station, operating with only 111 officers instead of the required 181.
With Colonel Logan Govender’s leadership at Norwood SAPS, the CPF successfully recovered stolen firearms, improved police-community collaboration, and helped transform the Norwood station despite ongoing staffing and resource challenges.
Powerful partnerships driving change
Some of the CPF’s successes has been:
• Initiating the launch of Norwood’s Business Association (NBA) to enhance security in commercial areas.
• Being part of launching The FIRM 2 (Forum for Integrated Risk Mitigation) situated in Sector 1
• Being part of establishing a Security Forum whereby more than 20 private-sector security companies get together and work alongside the SAPS.
Community in Blue: Unsung heroes of the CPF
At the heart of the CPF’s efforts is the Community in Blue (CIB) program, managed by Bev Finger. This volunteer-based patrol unit plays a vital role in increasing police visibility, gathering intelligence, and acting as the CPF’s “eyes and ears” on the ground. Despite these efforts, recruitment remains a challenge, with only nine active patrollers serving the entire sector.
“We need more volunteers,” Finger urged at the meeting. “This is our community—if we don’t own it, no one will.”
New leadership, same mission
Also read: Parkview pays tribute to former chairperson of Parkview CPF Sector 1, Lee-Ann Louverdis
With the current CPF committee stepping down after serving the mandated 5 year term, a new leadership team was elected to carry the torch:
• Chairperson: Sunil Geness
• Vice Chairperson: : Molesh Singh
• Secretary: Amanda Fleming
• Security Liaison: Christian Sheckelton
• Business Liaison: Samantha Jones
Going forward, the CPF will continue to engage with residents, SAPS, and security companies to maintain safety and find solutions to pressing crime issues.
The road ahead: A call to action
While the CPF has made great strides, crime remains a shared responsibility. Residents are urged to:
1. Attend CPF meetings and engage in safety discussions.
2. Join the Community in Blue patrollers to increase presence in crime hotspots.
3. Support CPF fundraising efforts to sustain vital security projects.
4. Report suspicious activity to SAPS and the CPF to strengthen intelligence efforts.
The Norwood CPF Sector 1 has proven that when communities stand together, real change happens. As a new team steps up, the challenge remains: will the residents step up with them?
For more information or to get involved, contact the Norwood CPF via their official channels.
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Related article: Norwood CPF urges residents to help make a difference
