As the upsurge of crime in the Gerhardsville area which forms part of Ward 61, disturbingly continues, allegations have surfaced of certain members of the local CPF, more interested in jostling for and focusing on positions in the CPF.
Caryn Adams who lives on a plot in Gerhardsville (near Erasmia) has called on the Community Police Forum sector in Gerhardsville to solve their internal squabbles and rather focus on fighting crime in their area, as criminals are giving residents in the area sleepless nights. 43 year-old Caryn told the Laudium Sun, “We have a real problem with crime in our area, but members of the local CPF in our area are busy fighting for positions of fame in the CPF, instead of fighting crime. The CPF in our area is doing nothing to reduce crime. The sectors of the CPF here are often fighting for power to control each sector, instead of focusing on the pressing issues like crime, affecting the residents. The CPF in Erasmia seems to be doing well to fight crime. Our CPF has to communicate with other CPFs so that they get tips on how to fight crime. They have to get the expertise and experience from these CPFs as crime in our area is increasing by the day. Last Wednesday morning thieves cut the electric fence of my yard and stole the gate motor battery. We no longer feel safe in our area. In the past they also broke into the car of my husband and stole several items from inside the car. When we called the Erasmia police to take fingerprints in the car, they never came. Even the CPF did not come and assist. Why do we have to struggle and live in fear of crime? Why can’t our CPF check that our police are doing their work in protecting the community? I believe that the main reason why crime is so rife in our area is that there is an informal settlement not far from us, which is growing by the day and the authorities do not seem to be interested in stopping more and more people putting up shacks in the area. One day these criminals will kill someone when they are stealing inside our yards and are confronted by the owners. As residents of Gerhardsville, we are calling on our CPF to resolve their issues and engage with the police to patrol our areas at night and to get the local Council to act against the influx of people putting up these illegal shacks all around our area. As a woman I am even scared that one day these
criminals would hold us hostage in our own homes or even hurt us,” Caryn said in a clearly upset tone.
Chairperson of the Erasmia Community Police Forum, under which the Gerhardsville sector policing falls, Pritesh Bhana told the Laudium Sun, “We have not received any formal complaints regarding the CPF Sector in Gerhardsville and I am not aware of the recent incident of a gate motor being stolen. I will nevertheless pursue this matter.”
