City CPF networks to up their game
The meeting served as a significant step to building relationships across the different suburbs, forming closer bonds and a tighter barrier against crime.
RICHARDS Bay Community Policing Forums (CPF) and a SAPS contingent last week gathered at the Huberta Hall to debate the possibility of kick-starting a local missing persons forum in co-operation with the People Search and Rescue Unit (PSARU).
The initiative, launched by Pastor Caroline Pitout of Freedom Generation SA and hosted by Pastor Ivan Naidoo of SR Paul Ministries, provided CPF members the opportunity to meet their counterparts to share crime busting strategies.
Despite discussing serious matters, the meeting also served as a significant positive step to build relationships across the different suburbs, forming closer bonds, new friendships and a tighter barrier against crime.
They also welcomed newcomers Anele Bukhosini and Sthembiso Hlongwa of the Madlazini Youth Desk.
The Youth Desk is 10 members strong and will be taken under the wing of the Meerensee CPF to learn the ropes.
Keynote speaker, PSARU Founder Charmaine van Eeden, addressed the CPFs on the topic of missing persons.
The company came into existence owing to the high number of cases reported to a small private investigator’s firm based in Johannesburg.
They have since established an operational unit in the Cape and are now looking to extend to KZN owing to demand for a specialised service.
Van Eeden appealed to CPFs to work towards forming an information network between themselves, PSARU and SAPS and to investigate the possibility of recruiting volunteers to mobilise immediately upon receipt of a distress call to the 24-hour helpline.
