The tentacles of the global pandemic are slowly wrapping themselves around every aspect of the community. The volunteers who make up the Community Policing Forum (CPF) have been grounded following an instruction from the Gauteng Provincial Community Policing Board.
The CPF is to cease any planned functions, meetings or operations until the end of April or any extended period if so announced. Board public relations officer, Dr MR Patel confirmed, “All meetings involving a physical presence are cancelled until further written notice. Any intervention is totally discouraged and if conducted then it shall be at your own risk.”
Despite the ongoing crisis, Roodepoort CPF chairperson, Petrus Lehaiwa is steady in his resolve to serve the community. “We are active in all our areas and we encourage members to work together to fight crime in our respective communities. We will still be around, but respect the need to take precautions to prevent the spread of this disease.”
The Board states that should emergency meetings be necessary they are encouraged to be held electronically. “The use of video conferencing, WhatsApp and WhatsApp calling, telegram among others for your committee functionalities are recommended. Take all the prescribed precautions,” stressed Patel.
The public is advised to call the Coronavirus Hotline on 0800 029 99 if any cases of Covid-19 infection are suspected, or to report or obtain information relevant to the pandemic.
