Security stakeholders come together for show of force in White River
A show of force was recently held at White River Crossing in an effort to display a united front against crime.
CPF members, security companies and members of the police came together in a show of force at White River Crossing on December 2.
Addressing the crowd gathered there, the vice chairperson of the White River CPF, Dawie Bronkhorst, said a heartfelt thank you to their CPF partners for the long hours and commitment, some at their own expense and at the expense of family time, all in the ongoing fight against crime.
The show of force also doubled as an introduction to the new station commander of the White River SAPS, Lieutenant Colonel Abraham Lubisi.
Bronkhorst said the main focus of both the CPF and other members present was to provide a safe and secure environment to the community of White River. “Every person who works, lives or shops in White River, forms part of the community. We have a unified team. Every team member brings their talent, experience and knowledge to the table to fight crime and support the community. That is what we live for.
“Crime affects everyone, from the gogo selling vegetables on the street corner to the town leaders ensuring economic sustainability. Taxi operators running their businesses witness their customers falling victim to crime and also feel the negative impact of crime. They commute workers, shoppers and the community in and around White River.
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“Collectively, we want to provide a safe environment so that kids can walk in the streets and joggers can jog safely without feeling in danger. We want to welcome tourists to experience our wonderful town in the Lowveld.”
He said crime does not originate from an age group, gender, race or belief. As the CPF, they firmly believe in this quote: “Crime originates from evil, and evil prevails when good people do nothing.”
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“That is why we and security companies support the SAPS and as a community, will unite against crime.”
In their time working with the SAPS, they became well acquainted with the outgoing station commander, Colonel Mapitso Makgato, and also used the day as an opportunity to bid him farewell.
“We sadly say goodbye to Colonel Makgato. During his command period, we as the community and crime prevention partners valued his input, knowledge and commitment. We wish him the best of luck in his new position and congratulate him on his promotion to full colonel in Middelburg.
“We welcome his replacement, Lieutenant Colonel Lubisi, and look forward to working with him. He is a Lowvelder in flesh and blood who believes we can beat crime when we all work together.”
Bronkhorst lastly said a special thank you to all crime-fighting partners, even the ones who could not attend the show of force, as almost 30 members had been attending to community matters at that time.
