CPF Sector 1 elected its executive into office on August 17 for a five-year term.
The executive comprises Masumpa Walaza (chairperson), Mcebisi Mbolekwa (deputy chairperson), Noloyiso Betele (secretary), Kgomotso Shubane (deputy secretary) and Nhlanhla Rankoa (public relations officer).
The primary function of the police is to fight, prevent and reduce crime. They also investigate crimes, catch criminals, protect the community and property and reduce fear of crime.
However, the police cannot fight crime alone. Only collaborative partnerships between law enforcement agencies, individuals, communities and organisations (civic and business) can fight crime successfully.
The newly elected CPF Sector 1 PRO, Nhlanhla Rankoa, said the police perform their functions well and with integrity so that communities can have trust and work with them in the fight against crime.
“Communities must work with the police to fight crime, protect their properties and help identify criminals. Many countries adopted community policing strategies to work closely with communities in the fight against crime.
“According to the CPF and community patrollers, most of the community members feel they are not obliged to protect their neighbourhoods. They argue the police are responsible for patrolling and fighting crime,” Rankoa said.
“However, there are communities such as George Street, in Rosettenville, where members of the community volunteer and join the patrols during the night. The only challenge is that they do not have resources, such as torches to patrol dark streets. However, unemployed people, including youth, join this fight against crime without a stipend or remuneration.
“I am appealing to the residents of La Rochelle, Springfield, Regents Park, Rewlatch, Regents Park Ext, The Hill, and Rosettenville to resuscitate active street patrols.
“Community participation is paramount and the partnership between all relevant stakeholders needs to be enhanced. Police integrity and good communication can achieve the objectives of community policing, and lead to the community playing a role in fighting crime, preventing crime, reporting crime, and reducing fears.
“Despite the challenges, on behalf of the new Sector 1 executive, I am calling on the communities to join hands in fighting this crime pandemic, in our midst. Together we can do it,” he said.
