Arbovlei CPF reflects on year of growth
Community Policing Forum in Richards Bay has grown since its inception
THE Arbovlei (Arboretum and Veldenvlei) Community Policing Forum has enjoyed a busy year that reflects good growth since its inception in February.
‘The CPF Committee met in the Zululand Observer’s offices to discuss the plan for 2015. With less than 200 registered members on the data base at that time, all agreed something had to be done to get the CPF back on the map,’ said Arbovlei chairman Davie Coetzee.
‘More than 100 people attended our first public meeting at Arboretum Primary where a new committee was elected, and other projects followed.
‘The next public meeting was held in Veldenvlei, attended by about 40 residents and more members signed up.
‘The CPF was not only fighting crime,but also bringing neighbours together, and street braais became a popular means of starting up a network in a specific street.
‘The next project entitled ‘To Shoot or Not To Shoot’ was held at Richards Bay High School, leaving all with food for thought on how to handle firearms and when to shoot legally.
‘This event, sponsored by Alpha, was attended by more than 60 people, some from as far as Hluhluwe,’ said Coetzee.
Visits and events
The mass ride ‘Bikers Against Crime’ was the next big project, attracting over 60 bikers.
‘The WhatsApp network was the golden thread through all the success stories, proving to be a valuable tool in the communication process,’ said Coetzee.
‘From fewer than 200 members on our network to close to 1 000 members in Arbovlei as we end the year, we can only get better.’
During December the CPF members, together with the SAPS and Votella, met at 4am to search the green belts, with a number of persons being arrested.
On 16 December, as a token of appreciation, the Arbovlei committee hosted a braai at the Richards Bay Ski Boat Club where they handed all SAPS members on duty at Alkantstrand a boerewors roll, cold-drink and mineral water.
This event was sponsored by Votella and Oasis provided the water.
‘As chairperson this year it was an honour to work with all the SAPS members and especially Brigadier Mgenge, Col Ngobese, Capt Ferreira and W/O Mathonsi,’ said Coetzee.
