The Greenwood Park Community Police Forum (CPF) Sub Forum 2 led a successful 40-vehicle Snake Patrol convoy which was joined by members of the SAPS, private security companies, neighbourhood watch groups, community street patrollers and residents in a effort demonstrate visible policing in the area.
The convoy passed through all areas that fall within the Sub Forum 2 division, namely Avoca, Effingham, Greenwood Park and Kenville. It was aimed at mobilising residents to become more active participants in CPF activities, particularly with the various community street patroller groups.
The chairperson of the CPF Sub Forum 2, Charles Naidoo said: “The Snake Patrol is a wonderful way to get all our stakeholders involved in the safety and security of residents while creating awareness of our activities within the community. Furthermore, visible policing and patrolling not only goes a long way towards reducing crime, it also gives our community some additional peace of mind.”
The high visibility convoy started on Avoca Road, and then drove through the suburbs of Avoca, Effingham and Greenwood Park. Scores of residents, along the route, cheered and applauded the convoy as it wound its way through the suburbs.
Approximately 50 community members, in their vehicles, joined in on the fun with Dr Bisraam Rambilass, a volunteer street patroller, being among the convoy participants. He said: “This was a wonderful way to showcase the valuable work being done by our street patrols and neighbourhood watch groups. Our community realises that we all need to get involved and contribute our efforts to create a safe and peaceful neighbourhood. The street patrols and neighbourhood watch groups have really had a positive impact on community safety.”
After the patrol drew to a close, participants were addressed by CPF officials and were thanked for their support and contribution to making the event an incredible success. CPF Sub Forum 2 secretary, Karan Bhogal said: “We would like to place on record, our sincere thanks and appreciation to SAPS GWP management and officers, representatives of the security companies, our own volunteer neighbourhood watch groups, community street patrollers and community members who work every day to ensure that we live in a safer community. We encourage more people to get involved in our activities.”
