THE Amanzimtoti Community Police Forum (ACPF) has received a major boost in crime-fighting after it received a vehicle from the KwaZulu-Natal provincial government.

Also read: Toti Central CPF Sub Forum combats crime one camera at a time

While ACPF took ownership of the vehicle on May 22 at an imbizo in Umlazi, KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube had announced in April that 85 vehicles, worth a combined R30 million, will be given to community police forums (CPF) to aid crime-fighting.

ACPF chairperson Merlene Matthew said the ACPF executive committee attends multiple community, sub-forum and neighbourhood watch meetings, as well as social crime-prevention programmes, across the three policing sectors around Amanzimtoti and has had to rely on private vehicles and police resources.

“We therefore welcome this donation. The CPF recognises that a dedicated vehicle will play a pivotal role in accelerating the fight against crime and encourages the dedicated efforts of its members to promote the safety and security of the community by enhancing the mobility and operational capabilities of its committee members,” said Matthew.

She added that the CPF welcomes this proactive strategy by the government, supported by the police and the Department of Community Safety and Liason, which recognises the need and value of grassroots solutions and community-led interventions, which are vital components of any comprehensive and sustainable crime reduction and prevention approach.

At the initiative’s launch in April, Dube-Ncube said the vehicles will play a pivotal role in accelerating the fight against crime by enhancing the mobility, response times and operational capabilities of the dedicated individuals working tirelessly to keep the communities safe.

“By equipping these voluntary, community crime-fighting structures with the necessary resources, the government empowers local initiatives and fosters a collaborative approach to addressing crime. This proactive strategy reflects a commitment to grassroots solutions and community-led interventions, which are vital components of any comprehensive crime prevention strategy,” Dube-Ncube said.

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