Ladanna formalises area CPF
Ladanna residents on Monday evening gathered for a meeting to elect a new Community Policing Forum (CPF) committee for the area. According to one of the meeting organisers and newly elected deputy chairperson, Mabotse Mothiba, the meeting follows numerous complaints relating to an increase in crime, especially hijackings and housebreakings in the area.
Mothiba told Polokwane Observer that the idea was to launch a formal and recognised CPF structure that will be able to work hand in glove with the Westenburg police in fighting crime. “The committee needs dedicated members in order to make the structure a successful workforce. The community of Ladanna already had a number of people who are members of the CPF and who are patrolling the area. They are formalised members of the CPF who can be recognised by the police,” he said.
Westenburg station commander, Colonel Maimele Pilusa outlined the purpose of the meeting as well as the election of committee members and their roles.
He said the police alone cannot fight crime and that they need each other to work towards a safer and crime-free community.
“We cannot fight crime in isolation. We as the police cannot do it alone therefore we need each other in the fight against crime.”
Pilusa explained that for one to qualify to be part of the CPF, a person must not have a criminal record or any pending criminal cases. They must also reside within the area.
He urged residents to elect those who will represent the community of Ladanna and to be sure that they will be represented well at station level when they meet with other community forums.
The 10 committee members who were elected:
• Chairperson: Johan Duvenhage.
• Deputy chairperson: Mabotse Mothiba.
• Secretary: Lezanne Duvenhage.
• Deputy secretary: Leezandre Smith.
• Treasurer: Andre Kotze.
• Public Relations Officer: Ettienne Hendricks.
• Assistant PRO: Pieter Smith.
• Additional members: Rudy Boshoff, Leonard Jacobs and Benny Serokolo.