Police and CPF respond to the public’s concerns

Randfontein residents raised a number of issues and concerns during a public meeting held with the police and CPF Sector 4 members at Randfontein Primary School recently, in the hope that all of them will be addressed.

Some of the items on the list are: crime rates, the poor condition of the roads, the sad state of the area’s graveyards, and the number of drug lords in the area.

Pastor Naidoo opened the proceedings with a prayer, after which Zaheer Gangat, the CPF Executive Chairperson, welcomed everyone present.

The meeting was also attended by Peter Dick and Ellik de Lange, two DA ward councillors in the area, Brigadier Mashole Jacob Manamela, the Randfontein Police station commander, and other senior officers.

Brigadier Manamela made a few opening remarks and emphasised the importance of solidarity. “If I do not have you on my side, I am fighting a losing battle,” he said.

The remainder of the meeting was then conducted in the form of question and answer sessions. Disgruntled residents in the Sector 4 area, which encompasses Greenhills, Helikon Park, Randgate, Randpoort, Robin Park and Culemborg Park, raised numerous concerns, commented and tabled suggestions regarding the concerns.

Nattilly van der Westhuizen, who was the CPF chairperson in Sector 4, is leaving Randfontein. She has had a positive impact on the area and her inputs will be dearly missed. She expressed her gratitude towards everyone who ensured that the Sector 4 CPF was successful and asked the community to keep on supporting the CPF and the police in the same way.

Although the meeting was tense and in some instances the emotions ran high, it was concluded in an amicable fashion. One of the residents thanked Brigadier Manamela and his management for the effort they made to attend the meeting. She urged the community to take the first step in ensuring their safety, to be the eyes and ears of the police and become proactively part of the CPF.

The issues and suggestions made during the community meeting:

• Uncontrolled access to the Greenhills graveyard – The ward councillors will address this issue as matter of urgency.

• Criminal cases reported to police do not receive necessary attention – Specific incidents were discussed and the detective commander, Colonel Petsana, addressed the matter immediately.

• What is the role of the community in the fight against crime? – Brigadier Manamela encouraged the community to become involved in the CPF and to stay involved.

• Can the police protect the community? – The police have strategies in place to address the safety of the communities in Randfontein, but they cannot do the job alone.

• When are the police going to take control over the drug lords/ prostitutes in the area? – A plea was made to the attendees to assist by providing information. The community was asked to bear in mind that the police must stay within the prescripts of the law, and reminded that they condemn any form of vigilantism.

• Condition of the roads in Randfontein. Potholes and missing street names hamper service delivery by police and security companies – Councillors will give attention to the matter.

• Dog poisoning resulting in extreme costs for the owner. Can the police be proactive in arresting the dealers who sell ‘Two step’ which is readily available at hawkers? – The police will give attention to the matter and the community undertakes to give information on hawkers dealing in this poison.

• Booming of the area surrounding Shetland Street – The police and the security companies are asked to come up with a tactical solution to increase visibility in the area of the graveyard.

• The concrete palisade fencing around the graveyard is broken, with more than 40 slabs missing – Councillors will attend to the matter.

• How can the community support the CPF? – It is suggested that communities be more vigilant, be on the lookout for irregularities and report issues to local CPF members. Foot patrols in the area will also assist. The station commander indicated that the issue will be addressed. Security starts at home, and poisoning of dogs can be reduced if dogs are trained not to take food from strangers. Make sure your vehicle is properly locked, since criminals use remote devices to deactivate car security systems.

• Do the police have a contingency plan for the change of shift period? – The station commander assured the community that the Randfontein Police have the matter in hand and crime is addressed during these specific times.

• Taverns in the area are becoming a problem. Specific taverns were named. Although some law enforcement officers stop there to speak to the people who are enjoying themselves in a lively and noisy way, they do not do anything about the situations – The police’s liquor officer will address the issues raised.

• What is the possibility of erecting Atlas lights in the Greenhills area? In other areas there are huge floodlights but not in the residential areas in Randfontein – Councillors will take the suggestion forward.

Nattilly van der Westhuizen made the following remarks in her farewell address:

• Be aware of your area, be vigilant. Communication is vital, start by talking to your neighbours.

• During your walk with your dogs, be vigilant and take special notice of strangers in the area.

• Report irregularities to your local CPF in order to increase patrols in the area.

Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at randfonteinherald@caxton.co.za (remember to include your contact details) or phone us on 011 693 3671.

Also read: 

Sector 4 CPF strives to serve

CPF promotes parental guidance

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