The Bekkersdal Community Policing Forum (CPF) has taken its duties to a whole new level.
The Bekkersdal CPF consists of two sectors – Sector 1, which includes both the formal and informal settlements of Bekkersdal, and Sector 2, which consists of Simunye, Zuurbekom, Waterworks, the Ezulwini precinct, and Waterpan.
Bekkersdal CPF Chairperson, Keitumetse Sedumedi said her main aim with the CPF is to change the negative perceptions that have developed over time, and once those perceptions have been changed, everything else will fall into place.
“The problem is ignorance and misconceptions. We will be focusing on strengthening the partnership between the community and its police officials,” Sedumedi said.
In addressing the problem, the Bekkersdal CPF have held various campaigns and public meetings to interact with the community.
You need to get out there, hear what the community wants, and then give them what they want.
“This community wants the truth – they want to know what’s happening in their community,” Sedumedi went on.
“Perceptions are a funny thing. There is always an us and a them. The police are facing their own challenges, such as vehicle and staff shortages, but you need to stand up as a community and ask yourself what you can do, and how you can help.”
So far, the Bekkersdal Police have formed a Task Team consisting of CPF members and police officers, each in their own uniform. They patrol their sectors, and get their hands dirty when needed.
In addition, a Bekkersdal Liquor Forum has been established in light of all the crimes stemming from liquor establishments. On top of that, a youth desk has been opened, and the victim empowerment centre is being revived.
That’s not all – gangsterism intervention programmes and domestic violence campaigns are being run too.
The CPF is now planning to establish block and street committees, and put up CPF signage. Additionally, bearing in mind that Keitumetse spends most of her time at the police station, and that the police are entrusted with the safety of the residents, the CPF would like to paint the station.
Keitumetse said the challenges the CPF face are endless, but this just means they have to work harder to achieve their goals.
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