Sebenza volunteers help keep communities safe

Fighting crime is not just the responsibility of the police.

The community also has a role to play in ensuring its own safety.

There are various other organisations that are involved in fighting crime, such as the Community Policing Forum (CPF).

The CPF is a non-profit organisation established in terms of the South African Police Services (SAPS) Act 68 of 1995, Chapter 7 Sections 18-23.

A CPF is a group of people from different communities and police representatives who meet to discuss safety problems in their communities.

A CPF also aims at ensuring police accountability, transparency and effectiveness in the community.

Sebenza CPF chairman Andrew Mosesi said the forum operates solely on a volunteer basis.

Sponsored community projects are used for initiatives such as Woman’s Day projects, anti-crime operations, youth crime awareness, community workshops, social ills awareness, talks at schools as well as other community awareness projects.

He said CPFs also lead and manage patrollers in their respective areas.

There are various costs to cover, such as the cost of bulletproof vests, strobe lights, car magnetic door stickers, banners, torches and pepper sprays.

All active members of the CPF are volunteers and do not receive any form of remuneration.

The donations are used solely to cover administration costs, such as stationery, internet connectivity, telephone bills, food bills, travelling costs and various other projects.

“If the community works together, criminals will be outnumbered,” said Mosesi.