Greenlight for CPF operations during Level 3

CPFs were recently reinstated during lockdown Level 3.
Sebenza CPF chairperson Andrew Mosesi, who is also the Ekurhuleni North Cluster chairperson for CPFs, confirmed they have started with patrols on June 16.
Mosesi explained how lockdown impaired CPF normal oversight on police and service delivery supervision.

“Members of the CPF would normally just go out to check on a suspicious activity which is something they couldn’t do during lockdown.

“Because the CPF are partners in policing, some community members expected CPFs to be operating during lockdown.”

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The chairman said the forums relied on WhatsApp groups to communicate with the broader community since CPF community meetings were banned.
“CPF and the community were sending information on hot spots via these groups.”
Mosesi added the CPF intends to have meetings soon.

“We are waiting for crime analysis for the first quarter of the year then we will start calling specific area meetings to discuss crime trends.”

The chairperson shared the following as a message to the community on safety during lockdown.
• The police must always be the first point of call when your life is threatened.
• Look at everything around you as suspicious because you never know what danger it may pose.
• Stay alert, stay alive, protect yourself and your loved ones.
• Only leave home when it is absolutely necessary to do so.
• Avoid crowded areas.
• Keep valuables locked up.
Mosesi urged the community to protect themselves as many people who are infected show no symptoms.
“Wear a mask, wash your hands regularly and keep your distance from others at all times.”