The purpose of the meeting was to discuss some of the problems, with possible solutions, which are faced by the community. The meeting began with the chairperson, Mr Keith Peacock, addressing the issue of inclusivity at meetings. He stressed the importance of having all stakeholders present at the meetings.
The community of Yeoville is a cultural melting pot and different groups must have a voice in the community. One of the biggest problems in the community is drugs
On this topic, the Mr Peacock did not mince his words. “We need to identify the production, warehousing and distribution of drugs.”
He described drugs as a major crime generator and urged the community to be active and to articulate their concerns to the police.
“Meetings cannot simply be talk-shops and we need to draft an operational plan to deal with the crime in the area,” he continued.
The nominations for the executive of the CPF were discussed, with the role of the executive being the main focus. “Let us not nominate people who are unaware of their responsibility and role,” said Mr Peacock.
They need to identify individuals with a basic understanding of the role of the community in the fight against crime. The individuals must be disciplined and be willing to undergo a security clearance.
The chairperson said members of the executive could not be patrollers and warned against people wearing many hats, and neglecting some of their main duties.
The matter of street patrollers was put on the table and it was established that the police are currently unable to recruit reservists.
“We will keep people on our database until the moratorium is lifted,” said Kernel Lovufi Motaung, of the Yeoville SAPS. The Youth Desk was discussed in absentia, noting that the Youth Desk must be invited with future meetings in order to co-ordinate their work with that of the CPF. The Yeoville Market and Rocky Street were also discussed and more visible bylaw enforcement was requested.
Talks of an alternative market were discussed as the current market fails to attract traders, due to the fees they need to pay. This may result in more illegal traders. Sergeant Potsane, from the Johannesburg Metro Police Department, tried to explain that the department was doing its best, but it’s a numbers game.
“As soon as the officers leave, the illegal traders are back to their spot and it’s business as usual,” said Sgt Potsane.
“People in positions of authority must attend meetings in order to effect change,” said Mr Motaung.
The issue of sex workers was another topic under discussion. A question was asked about how the area of Rosebank was able to deal with the matter effectively and how lessons could be learnt from them.
The forum resolved to assist the sex workers to re-organise themselves and to commit to identifying houses in the area which are operating as illegal brothels.
