The Sunnyside Policing Forum (CPF) chairperson, Sandile Dube, has urged the youth to join their local CPF structures.
“I am appealing to all members of the youth to participate in CPF structures such as sector crime forum,” Dube said.
He said the Sunnyside policing precinct was a youthful area and, therefore, the Sunnyside CPF cannot effectively perform its duties without the participation of the young stars.
According to Dube, most crimes in Sunnyside policing precinct affect the youth in one way or the other. The Sunnyside policing precinct include Arcadia, Sunnyside, Muckleneuk, Groenkloof, part of Hatfield and Colbyn,
“The area has crimes such as illegal drug dealings, robberies, vehicle related crime and gender-based violence.”
Dube said the participation of youth in the CPF makes them aware of crime trends and hotspots in the area. Such information enables them to practice safety precautions and sharing it with the entire community helps residents avoid becoming victims of crime.
“We believe it is important for the youth to know that the Sunnyside CPF caters for them,” citing that they have a voice.
Dube said the CPF has structures dedicated to the youth such as the Youth Crime Prevention Desk which is due to be re-launched soon. The exact dates in all Sunnyside sectors have not yet been confirmed due to Covid-19 uncertainties.
He said it was important to know that participating in the CPF did not mean taking the law into one’s own hands but it meant working with the police in reducing levels of crime in the area.
“The CPF works together with the Sunnyside police station,” citing that it was for this reason Sunnyside policing precinct has six sectors that are expected to each elect a Youth Crime Prevention Desk soon.
The CPF believes the elections would bring a perfect opportunity for the youth to demonstrate patriotism and a sense of being responsible citizens who love their country and the betterment of the community.
“We invite the youth to begin participating in the CPF to help the community fight crime.”
Dube said the youth prefers to live in Sunnyside to have easy access to tertiary institutions as students while others are on internship programmes in various government departments.
He said increasing student accommodation venues, more available job opportunities and a lot of entertainment venues also influenced a large number of youth to move there.
“It is, therefore, important for them to become part of the CPF and play their role in a continual effort to fight crime in the area,” he concluded.
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