Female patrollers from Sandringham Sector 1 and Bramley Sector 2 community policing forums stand guard
Night after night, women CPF volunteers from Sandringham and Bramley patrol crime-ridden streets, confronting danger head on, but they are calling for manpower.
While most residents are asleep, a group of determined women are often found patrolling the streets of Sandringham and Bramley, keeping watch over their communities and standing guard against crime.
Despite their commitment, however, these women say they are fighting an uphill battle. Community Policing Forum (CPF) chief commanders from Sandringham Sector 1 and Bramley Sector 2 are calling on men and community members to get involved in crime prevention efforts, saying keeping their neighbourhoods safe is dependent on female volunteers.
“As females, we face many difficulties during our patrols and, at times, we are intimidated,” Sandringham CPF Sector 1 chief commander Loraine Buzo said. “When we stand firm and become bold in carrying out our duties, we are often labelled as arrogant, rude, or difficult.”
Read more: CPF asks community to report crimes as they happen
She added that women in leadership positions often encounter criticism, adding that perceptions might be different if more men were involved in community safety initiatives. “Sometimes I think we are being criticised because we are women. I believe that if we had men in CPF groups, people would take us seriously and respect us.
“We need men to come and be part of the change we want in our communities. We are committed to protecting our communities and making a difference.”
Bramley CPF Sector 2 chief commander Lebo Kgang said CPF members do more than crime prevention patrols. They also participate in community clean-up campaigns aimed at addressing illegal dumping and environmental hazards. However, limited resources continue to hamper their efforts. “We use our hands to clean, without necessary resource.
“Now, it’s winter, its gets dark early, and it’s cold. We need equipment such as torches, pepper spray, gloves, and even jackets. If community members are unable to join patrols, they can still assist by donating much-needed supplies. We would be very happy.”
Also read: Sandton CPF urges residents to report crime as integrated policing network shows results
According to Buzo, abandoned waste sites often become hotspots for criminal activity and public health concerns. She said during clean-ups they have encountered disturbing situations, including abandoned infants, illegally cut trees, and neglected overgrown areas that create opportunities for crime. “A lot of these issues are connected. When we work together to keep our neighbourhoods clean, we also help reduce opportunities for crime.
“We need to stand together as one community. Only by working together can we effectively fight crime and create a safer environment for everyone.”
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