MORE stakeholders are standing up to be counted in the fight against crime on every level and, the Ministerial Task Team aimed at strengthening ties between SAPS and the Community Policing Forum (CPF), is resulting in improved cooperation and joint successes.
The Meerensee CPF’s public meeting on Thursday at Richards Bay Primary school, was attended by SAPS, civilian patrollers, the ward councillor, members of the KZN Human Trafficking, Harmful Traditional Practices, and Pornography, Prostitution and Brothels Task Team and community members.
According to Corrie Pretorius of the Task Team, civilian patrols started as a nightmare but has since become ‘an absolute pleasure’ due to the strong involvement of dedicated volunteer patrollers, assisted by SAPS.
The camaraderie among the group is evident and patrols are well-organised, often resulting in the arrest of housebreakers, drug dealers and other law breakers.
He thanked the SAPS members who were also in attendance and available for assistance.
CPF member, Henk van Niekerk, said the objectives of the CPF is to promote communication and cooperation with SAPS to fulfill the needs of the community.
‘We promote joint problem-identification and problem-solving in relation to crime, service delivery, disorder and poor relations.
‘We are not here to take over their function.’
Guest speakers Pastor Caroline Pitout, founder of Freedom Generation SA, addressed the topic of human trafficking, the ‘blesser’ phenomena and the dangers of social media with reference to specific cases in the City.
Rachelle Breed, lawyer and journalist at the Zululand Observer spoke on the Prevention and Combating of Trafficking in Person’s Act, asset forfeiture, pornography and organ trafficking.
Open Day
Please do not forget to attend the Meerensee Community Policing Forum’s Open Day on Saturday 4 June, where there will be live music, a dog show by Alpha Alert, jumping castles and food stalls.
The venue is the Meerensee Primary School from 9am to 1pm and entrance is free.
