- Strand CPF and Lwandle police organized a community walk against crime, engaging residents and distributing crime awareness pamphlets.
- The initiative aims to inform the public about police services, including specialized support for victims of gender-based violence.
- The CPF serves as a bridge between the police and the community, urging residents to report suspicious activities and work together for a safer neighborhood.
Strand Community Policing Forum (CPF) and Lwandle police held a walk against crime on Friday 28 February where they were going around the neighbhourhood engaging with the community and distributing pamphlets on crime.
The walk began at Landle Police Station, went through Vulindlela Street and joined Noxolo Street and went to Nonkqubela via Ralarala streets before they returned to the police station.
Jerry Bobi, Strand CPF public relations officer, said besides being visible in the community the aim was to bring back hope. He described the walk as the new start in the fight against crime.
“Under Lwandle Police Station there are three sectors. Last Friday 28 February, we were in Sector 1 and this coming Friday 7 March (tomorrow) will go to sector 2 and the following Friday 14 March will be in sector 3. As we walk about, we engage with the community telling them about the services that the station has and how they render them. For example, if someone is raped, there’s no need for her to go to the front desk like everyone else. There is an area which specialises with rape victims and gender-based violence (GBV). This is the information that most people don’t know,” he stated.
Bobi said they also urged the community to be patient with the officers. He said they work under pressure with limited resources, something which makes it difficult to assist everyone.
“Sometimes, as CPF members, we listen to the grievances of the community and take them to the police station. And if that needs a station commander to respond, we go with him to those particular people. Our job as the CPF, is a link between the community and officers. And we appeal to the community that if they see something wrong that is happening, they must inform the CPF members, and they will call the police.
Lwandle police spokesperson Sgt Mthokozisi Gama said the purpose of the march was to encourage the community to claim their streets and to create a safe environment.
He said on Wednesday 26 February the CPF members held a special meeting at Nomzamo Community Hall to introduce the newly elected CPF members and to forge and establish working relationships between the community and the police.