The Randfontein CPF has recently began a new kind of patrol — they gather in empty parking lots in Randfontein in all their numbers and in their cars and plan a route to patrol but instead of sneaking around, they flash lights and hoot.
The patrol noise campaign started on Tuesday this week and to date every area except Robin Park and Hectorton have been covered. These areas are looking into being patrolled in the days to come. The CPF gathers at 7pm and finishes at approximately 9pm.
“The numbers vary, some nights we have 10 cars, other nights we have 30,” says Nattilly van der Westhuizen, member of the CPF committee.
In the chilly autumn air, the young and old of the CPF gathered; some with slippers and reflective vests and some in full patrolling garb. A report was given of what happened the day — Gerry Pretorius, the man who chased after robbers told members to hold fast and hang in there. He assured that if the community stands together, crime will back down.
It wasn’t long before the CPF members got into their cars and began the patrol. Cars drove slowly, bumper-to-bumper, some cars were equipped with flashing lights others used their hooters to get the attention of the community.
Van der Westhuizen’s bakkie had a load speaker which children were speaking into, creating awareness for crime, “we want to be able to play outside without any fear of crime,” one said.
A car from the traffic police was roped in by the CPF on the night and roads were carefully and temporarily blocked off in order to maintain a steady flow of traffic for the patrolling cars as did CPF members.
According to van der Westhuizen, “we decided to do this because we want to send out the message that, listen, we are fed up with crime. It can’t go on like this.”
When the Herald asked why they decided to go with a campaign that caused so much noise, she said, “people should make noise about crime. They should speak out about what’s happening in the community. When an incident occurs or if something happens then they need to let the CPF know immediately.”
For any information on the patrols or how to become a member contact Nattilly can der Westhuizen on 074 718 6513 or Stanley Mylie on 082 854 2731.
