A high level of crime continues to threaten the rights and dignity of South African citizens and poses a threat to the peaceful resolution of differences and rightful participation of all in the democratic process.<\/p>\n
To assist the SAPS, Community Policing Forums (CPFs) were established under a forum in terms of section 19(1) of the SAPS Act, Act 68 of 1995 to involve all local stakeholders and key organisations in local policing.<\/p>
The CPF members meet regularly with the officers in charge of the local police stations and discuss problems and solutions to crime in their area.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe adoption of community policing did not only turn around the crime situation but changed the way the SAPS addresses crime,\u201d said Pine Pienaar, vice chairperson of the Lambton Klip Sector Four CPF (LKCPF).<\/p>
\u201cFor community policing to be successful, it is important for members of the community to realise and accept that they also have a social and moral obligation to assist and support the SAPS in the fight against crime, as well as other forms of social disorder.<\/p>\n
\u201cCommunity participation in crime prevention has become a key strategy to improve safety and security and building safer communities is a collective responsibility of both the state and its citizens.\u201d<\/p>\n
With the support and involvement of the community, the police will be in a position to meet the safety and security needs of the country.<\/p>\n
Community organisations and development workers must co-operate with CPFs to mobilise community support in the fight against crime.<\/p>\n
This includes:<\/strong><\/p>\n \u2022 Identifying crime hotspots and informing the police about problems.<\/p>\n \u2022 Reporting any information on wanted suspects and illegal firearms.<\/p>\n \u2022 Visiting schools with the SAPS to speak to learners and teachers.<\/p>\n \u2022 Running education and awareness campaigns on the community\u2019s role in the fight against crime.<\/p>\n \u2022 Mobilising civil society organisations to become active members of the community police forum.<\/p>\n \u2022 Supporting the police in crime prevention initiatives.<\/p>\n \u2022 Monitoring the police\u2019s service delivery.<\/p>\n \u2022 Providing possible solutions or alternatives to constantly strengthen partnerships and improve service delivery.<\/p>\n The Lambton Klip Sector Four CPF is one of the sector CPFs within the Germiston police\u2019s area.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n ALSO READ:<\/span><\/p>\n Lambton Klip Sector Four CPF declares war on drugs<\/a><\/p>\n Make a difference and get involved with your local CPF<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cLKCPF has become known as an entity of note by not only the community and companies within the area but also by the appreciation shown by the SAPS.<\/p>\n \u201cThe SAPS regard us as an asset to the area and this is a direct result of the effective synergy displayed by committed role players within the community,\u201d said Pienaar.<\/p>\n \u201cWe acknowledge the need for an active citizenry, civil society and private sector to contribute to the ongoing efforts in crime and violence prevention and we would like all role players to pledge participation, joining hands in this effort.<\/p>\n \u201cCrime needs to be tackled in a comprehensive way, which means going beyond an exclusive focus on policing.<\/p>\n \u201cFurthermore, we urge all armed response companies in the Sector Four area to meet with the LKCPF and collectively plan strategy in fighting crime.\u201d<\/p>\n To become a member of the LKCPF send an e-mail to admin@lkcpf.co.za, visit the website at www.lkcpf.co.za or call 072 193 8496.<\/p>\n You do not have to become a patroller when joining the CPF.<\/p>\n By being a member you become the eyes and ears of the SAPS.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Have a story?<\/strong><\/p>\n Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor)\u00a0<\/span>germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za<\/a><\/strong>, Leigh Hodgson (journalist)\u00a0<\/span>leighh@caxton.co.za<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>or Puleng Sekabate (journalist)\u00a0pulengs@caxton.co.za<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n Remember to visit the Germiston City News on the following social media platforms:<\/p>\n Facebook<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Twitter<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Instagram<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n YouTube\u00a0<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Or add the GCN on\u00a0<\/b><\/span>WhatsApp 079 406 1181<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>or\u00a0BBM (BBM Pin: 7F102137)<\/strong>\u00a0<\/b><\/span>today, to get all the latest news.<\/p>\n Catch-up on more local news with our sister newspapers\u00a0<\/span>Bedfordview Edenvale News<\/a><\/strong>,\u00a0<\/span>Alberton Record<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span>Kempton Express<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n