Successful first year for BSSF

POLOKWANE -The forum was founded in 2020 and has quickly grown into a formidable force in the fight against crime in the Bendor and Ster Park areas. The chairperson of the forum, Johan Retters says their membership is growing by the day and they currently have more than 400 members affiliated to the forum.

“We expect that this number will continue to grow, we have done well for the past year. We don’t have any fees or monthly costs for joining and the only requirement is that you become an active member. The BSSF has also joined forces with other neighbourhood watch organisations and security companies to combat crime.”

Retters says they have a radio call every night at 20:00 to see if everyone is safe and whenever there is an emergency, it will be called over the radio and more than 100 radio users will hear the distress call and respond immediately. According to Retters, level 4 lockdown has made it difficult for the BSSF to do patrols due to the curfew hours but they were still able to maintain a certain level of activity, but the weekly meetings have been cancelled. “We are currently more than 60 members doing patrols during the week to actively contribute to the fight against crime in our area.

The BSSF has sponsored a radio for the Martha Hofmeyr Old Age Home and they are also part of the radio call every night. “This is to ensure that all bases of the community are covered.”

He says the success of the BSSF lies within its members who have made a decision to starts the safety of the community within the community. Retters has thanked each and every forum member for making a success of the BSSF and for their support. “There is no greater feeling in life than helping someone else and not expecting something in return.”