The Fairland CPF has welcomed Captain Howard Mekoa as acting station commander, following Lieutenant Colonel Clive de Freitas’ move to Roodeport, where he is the new VisPol commander.
CPF chairman Gulam Karim said, “New beginnings bring new opportunities to fight crime and criminals. We have faith in our new leader and look forward to this next chapter at the station.”
Mekoa reported that crime continues to be relatively low in the precinct with contact crimes down by 80% and robberies down by half, compared to the same period last year. “Motor vehicle-related crimes continue to be our biggest challenge along with cases of fraud.”
The 100% Foundation, a group of business people who use their resources to support a number of causes in the city, has finalised its first round of improvements at the station. Karim said, “We cannot thank them enough for their generosity and help. Appreciation must go to Clive Maher from SCP Security for facilitating this new relationship, which has benefited us.”
The foundation installed solar lights around the police station, secured the customer service centre and provided a larger generator that will enable lights to remain on during load-shedding.
February’s CPF overview:
1) CPF patrollers (Community in Blue) performed 77 hours on duty and continue to be a vital cog in crime-fighting activities.
2) Victim Support volunteers logged 47 hours and assisted with two missing persons cases and one suicide.
3) The Youth Desk had two school interventions, where they educated learners about bullying, racism, stranger danger, and respect.
4) Funds held by the CPF that were to be used for improvements to the station, now done by the 100% Foundation, will be redirected. Plans will be communicated in due course.
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Another successful week for Sophiatown police in their quest to fight crime