The community of Fairlands descended on Mosaiek Church on 19 November for their Community Policing Forum (CPF) annual general meeting.
With the attendance of the police, ward councillors, security companies and other safety and security-related entities, the AGM was sure to be a good one and it most certainly was. Chairman of the Dr Gulam Karim led the meeting and started it off with a report on the state of the community over the last five years and currently. Mahmood Cassim and Shirin Ismail provided secretarial and financial reports respectively as well.
During his report, Karim stated that there has been an overall decrease in reported crimes over the last year. Unfortunately, this decrease wasn’t experienced in the priority crimes such as house break-ins and robberies and theft out of and theft of motor vehicles. “In recent times we have seen an increase in contact crimes, with specific reference to domestic violence.”
Luckily for this CPF, they have an excellent Victim Support Unit and patrollers that assist the police and community wherever they can. Lead by Dr Sally Röthemeyer, the unit has provided counselling for many this year thanks to their committed and caring team. Dr Röthemeyer and the unit was praised by all in attendance for the never-ending passion they have to ensure the victims of crimes aren’t destroyed by their experiences. Cassim, who heads the patroller group was pleased to share the progress made by the group. The group, which has grown 46 patrollers, assist the police during visible policing campaigns and help at crime scenes. No task is too big for the patrollers as Cassim stated, “We do everything, from delivering babies to saving bunnies.”
Karim thanked Fairland Police Station for all they have done for them and with them over the last year. “Station Commander Lieutenant Colonel Clive de Freitas and his management have already made a huge difference in combating crime levels.”
He added that the relationship between the community, CPF, police and security companies under the leadership of station commander was instrumental to a lot of the success they had in keeping the precinct safer.
The CPF also used the meeting to celebrate those who have been part and parcel of keeping Fairland safe for all. Various certificates were given out on the night with ward councillors, security companies, members of the CPF and all those that worked with them this year. Karim thank all role players that contributed positively to the year 2019 and he stated they hope this support will continue into the new year and future.
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