Security stakeholders meet Klopperpark community

Various security stakeholders recently met with the community of Klopperpark following allegations that requests for assistance were ignored. At the public meeting the Bedfordview CPF, SAPS and EMPD took the time to answer the concerns of residents.

Residents who attended the meeting which was called by the community hoped to find resolutions to long-standing problems and an increase in criminal activity in the area. BCPF chairperson Gavin Henry told those in attendance constructive partnerships were the key to fighting crime in the area.

“The CPF is the link between law enforcement and the community,” he told residents.

He added the biggest problem BCPF faced was the lack of representation from residents in Sector Three, which includes Klopperpark.

“As residents, you have the responsibility to step up and be part of the solution,” Henry said.

He urged residents to step up and join the CPF as representation for the area. Henry said those who volunteer would be vetted and the structures of the CPF were available to assist in fund-raising initiatives for registered patrollers, but support from the Sector Three community was vital. Of those in attendance, only one resident put up her hand to volunteer as a patroller for the area under the CPF.

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Henry also acknowledged resource constraints at the Bedfordview Police Station, while he reminded residents that everyone had a role to play in keeping the community safe.

“Seven years ago we had six vehicles for the Bedfordview area. Today, if we are lucky, we have two. Yes, the SAPS has challenges but as a citizen of Sector Three, you can do something to make a difference. Become an active, involved and committed member of BCPF,” he said.

Henry reminded residents the EMPD and Council work together, and that a good place to start with issues that fall under their jurisdiction would be to start with the ward councillor. “As a community, you can put pressure on the councillor to address matters such as overcrowding at a council level,” Henry said.

He urged resident to use the correct channels to report complaints and receive a reference number for their complaints. “There is no use in multiple people calling in about the same problem. Rather obtain one reference number and use the same number every time that issue is reported until it is resolved,” he said.

Supt Gebhuza from the EMPD told resident it is their right to receive a reference number for complaints reported.

He added that the EMPD does not deal with building complaints. In closing, Henry reminded residents it was important for the Klopperpark community to not have vigilantes running around the area but to rather have vetted patrollers who are part of the CPF.

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