CPF embarks on project to target drug and crime hotspots

POLOKWANE – CPF Polokwane chairperson Frans Swart led a special operation last Friday, targeting drug and crime hotspots in the city.

Swart says they have recorded and noted the prevalence of drugs in parks and other residential areas that serve as points of leisure to the community.

“We have a few houses that have been identified as hotspots. This is because of the increasing activity at those houses. We have been monitoring them for some time and will continue to do so. Our public parks have also become a huge burden on the police and CPF. The increasing number of public drinking cases, drug use and noise pollution from our parks is a cause for concern. These parks are a major contributor to the accident rate and crime rate in the city.”

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Swart says they make use of four-wheelers and motorcycles for easy access to the parks.

He says they want to be able to go around undetected and hopefully catch the criminals red-handed.

He says the CPF will be escorted by police officers under the Vispol commander, Colonel André Kotzé.

Swart says the operations are in the form of interim plans and they will soon engage the police and municipality to try and find a permanent solution to the crimes happening in public parks.

“If we can find a way to introduce a proper fencing and gate system at these parks, the municipality can employ permanent security guards. These guards will be responsible to stop and search every vehicle on the premises to ensure that there are no drugs or liquor to be consumed or sold. Our parks were made for recreational purposes. They are there for families and friends to unwind and spend some quality time together but now they can’t do that because the parks have turned into taverns.”

Swart has thanked the police, CPF members and all the residents who complied during the operation.