Residents launched a new Community Policing Forum (CPF) Sub-Forum for Sector 1 after a community meeting at Wynberg Girls’ High School.
Residents, members of the Wynberg CPF and police representatives attended the meeting. Residents had previously been notified about the election of the new sub-forum.
New chairperson elected unopposed
The sub-forum elected Maurita Weissenberg unopposed as chairperson of the Sector 1 CPF Sub-Forum. Wynberg CPF chairperson Suzanne Japhta said Weissenberg would play a key role in strengthening communication between the police and residents.
“She will oversee that communication flows directly from the police to the community,” Japhta said.
The sub-forum has one executive member, with plans to add more members as community involvement grows. “As the sub-forum grows, we will add more members to the executive,” Japhta added.
Neighbourhood Watch takes shape
The meeting also marked progress towards establishing a Sector 1 Neighbourhood Watch (NHW). Jake Banks has volunteered to coordinate the establishment of the NHW, which is currently in its initial stages.
The NHW will formally launch once enough residents volunteer to participate.
Japhta said establishing the NHW and encouraging residents to become involved were among the immediate priorities for the new sub-forum.
“The priorities for the sub-forum are to establish the NHW and ensure community involvement,” she said.
Residents raise safety concerns
The development follows a CPF meeting in July, at which Sector 1 residents came together to discuss local safety concerns and the need for greater community involvement.
Residents identified vagrancy, drug use among homeless people and theft from residential properties as some of the concerns affecting the area. Several residents volunteered to assist with establishing a local NHW, while others expressed interest in becoming involved in community safety initiatives.
Call for community involvement
Ultimately, the new sub-forum will provide a link between residents, the police and the Wynberg CPF, while helping coordinate local safety initiatives. The CPF has encouraged Sector 1 residents to become involved as the NHW takes shape.
Residents interested in joining the Sector 1 NHW can contact the Wynberg CPF on 070 375 9769, the CPF said it will add further members to the sub-forum executive as the structure grows and more residents become involved.
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