Greater Kliptown CPF to tighten grip on community safety
The Greater Kliptown CPF includes a dedicated team of residents who serve as the bridge between the community and the police. They work long hours and are unpaid.
The Greater Kliptown Community Police Forum (CPF) is planning to hold a firmer grip on community safety in the Soweto township of Kliptown.
This was according to the CPF’s Chairperson, Billy Petersen.
“For us, the immediate goal is to work closer with our communities. These crimes are happening in the communities and are committed by people that are known in the community,” he told Soweto Urban.
To curb the scourge of substance abuse, Petersen revealed that the CPF has teamed up with the South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (SANCA). “In most cases, the perpetrators are young kids, some under the influence of drugs. And so teaming up with SANCA will really go a long way in helping turn these youngsters back into productive members of society,” he explained.
ALSO READ: A much needed fun day for children at Crystal Fountain
The Greater Kliptown CPF includes a dedicated team of residents who serve as the bridge between the community and the police. They work long hours and are unpaid. Petersen reserved praise for his team. “We are quite fortunate to have an amazing team here, some are working with schools, some are in the office and others are patrolling our streets. I want to thank them for their willingness to protect the community even though it has not been easy, they get called names every day,” he said.
A key point for the CPF was the integration of youth. “We decided to rope in a youth desk because, as I said, a lot of the perpetrators are young people, either desperate or under the influence.
I think the message is translated better when it comes from their peers,” added Petersen. This band of do-gooders though is not without challenges. The Greater Kliptown CPF team still struggles due to a lack of support. They have not even been provided with any form of identification as members of the Community Policing Forum. This, Petersen said, makes their job that much difficult. “It becomes tough when you say you are from the CPF but have nothing to prove it with. What has helped is that we have a wonderful relationship with the Kliptown SAPS.
Whenever they are needed they have never let us down. We really appreciate it,” he concluded. The CPF is still calling on businesses, organisations and residents to support the forum and help in keeping the community safe. Get in touch with the Greater Kliptown CPF on 011 017 3270 or send an email to SithebeN@saps.gov.za
Follow Us Here:
Catch the latest news by visiting our other platforms:
