LACE up for the Durban North/ Umhanga Community Policing Forum’s Winter Nite Run/ Walk set to take place on Friday, 29 July. Traditionally the event has been held to facilitate crime awareness and raise funds for the CPF to increase their capacity for night patrols and other activities.
However, event organiser Dave Ward said the next event would also serve as a means of educating the public on the issue of vagrancy.
“We are trying to sort out the vagrancy in the Durban North area which has exploded over the last couple of months, in particular in and around the Broadway area. We will be appealing to all entrants at the race to refrain from supporting these vagrants by either giving them tips, clothing or food,” he said.
According to Ward some of the funds raised through the initiative will be used to run the education campaign. He said a drive will also be launched to work closely with the churches to reduce vagrancy in the area.
“In this way we are hoping that they will migrate to another area. We believe that a lot of the vagrants have been around so long that they have become brazen and often abusive towards the public. We are afraid that something more serious will emanate from their continued presence,” he added.
What’s more, through the initiative the CPF has appealed to the community to support their neighbourhood watch by sacrificing two hours a month to do patrols in their area.
- The race will be held at the Northwood Crusader’s Sports Club at 6.30pm. Participants will be able to run a five or 10 kilometer route. Entry per adult costs R80 (10km) or R60 (5km) and U16 R40 (10km) or R30 (5km). Registration on the day will be closed at 6pm. Contact 031 564 6919.
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