Members of the Heidelberg CPF executive committee held a meeting in the boardroom at the Heidelberg Police Station on the evening of April 20.
During the briefing by CPF executive committee chairperson Flip Minnaar, a moment of silence was held in remembrance of the committee’s deputy chairperson, David van As, who died after a long illness.
Minnaar reminded the attendees about the Memradum of Understanding (MoU) that exists between police and CPF, which was agreed upon in 2017.
He outlined some of the important items that were agreed upon – that there should be trust among each other, a good mutual working relationship, respect, commitment, proper mandate execution, eagerness and dedication towards the creation of a safe and secure environment for all citizens.
The CPF chairperson informed the station commander, Col Phiwe Ndwandwe, of the two-way radios allocated by the CPF to the station commander, Vispol commander, Client Service Centre and sector commanders for more effective and efficient communication.
Minnaar explained the radios ease the process of deploying community patrollers to specific hot spots or during the commission of serious crimes.
It was noted that CPF members would not interfere with policing duties but instead help in cordoning off crimes scenes, ensuring the crime scene and exhibits are not tampered with by inquisitive individuals.
It was discussed that the CPF executive committee will also look and assess the state of the Victim Friendly Facility office, and, if required, raise funds to assist with renovations.
Police were also assured that the CPF’s qualified social workers, psychologist and spiritual services will offer voluntary assistance to the facility’s SAPS coordinator.
