Dearest CPF, I’m not a suspect
Can you imagine: "Journalist drives streets to break into houses to get stories and holds residents up with pen, notebook and camera?"
I have to take my hat off to the CPF. They are on point but maybe just a bit too on point.
Now as you know, I’m not from Randfontein and I only started at the Herald late last year. It was difficult to find places at first and, you know, Randfonteiners use rocks, trees, and potholes as landmarks when giving directions.
So I would usually drive in a street slowly looking for my destination. I would look into yards as though I was studying them but I assure you it is purely to look for a house number because, you know, the security company signs are hung enormous on the walls and gates of houses to ward off criminals like the native Indians would erect a totem. Crime is rough here.
I also joined the CPF group for crime updates. In these groups, suspicious people and vehicles are reported. This was a long time ago and I could be mistaken but I drove looking for a place to meet a contact. A few minutes later I drove the same road in case I missed something, then a third time. I did this slowly and perhaps my driving was a bit erratic trying to dodge the craters in the road (although I must say, I see potholes being fixed left, right, and centre lately and I also see when workers are done, they have a nice nap under the nearest tree. Very efficient.)
A few minutes later when I eventually found my destination, a notification came in for a suspicious vehicle and it seemed to be the same street I was just in. Was my 0.8 Chery QQ the suspicious vehicle?
Oh I can see how it would have gone down; journalist receive tip that suspicious vehicle is in a particular street. Journalist decides to investigate. Journalist calls armed response for backup and gives description of car. Journalist gets taken into custody.
Can you imagine the story that would make? “Journalist drives streets to break into houses to get stories and holds residents up with pen, notebook, and camera.”
Jokes aside, the CPF is doing good work in the community, Gerry Pretorius is proof of this. What Randfontein has on their side and what I love most about this town is how small and close-knit it is (and of course, the people are the friendliest I have met.)
Let me know what you think about the CPF or about my column on roxydv@caxton.co.za (email) or @RoxydvHerald (twitter.)
