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Donderdag 20 Februarie 2025
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Wheels help to fight crime Donation equips Thabong CPF members with bicycles Marti Wil marti.will@media24.com
The Thabong CPF has received a donation of 20 bicycles and other crucial equipment to bolster crime prevention. Thabong SAPS Social Crime Prevention, in collaboration with the Community Policing Forum (CPF), as well as a representative of the Coca-Cola Company, Spiritual Crime Prevention, Lejweleputswa District Chairperson, the Matjhabeng Traffic Department, and a Provincial representative, gathered for the handover of essential equipment to Thabong CPF members. The CPF received 20 bicycles, 20 helmets, 30 reflector jackets, 20 whistles and 20 torches. “These bicycles will greatly
enhance the CPF members’ ability to respond swiftly to incidents, allowing them to reach crime scenes faster and patrol their communities more efficiently,” says Capt. Loraine Earle, Free State SAPS media and liaison officer. “This initiative will improve visibility and effectiveness in security patrols, ultimately strengthening community safety. “With access to bicycles, CPF members can travel further and patrol more extensively, supporting the police in the fight against crime. “Through partnerships like this, the transformative impact of bicycle patrols becomes evident, demonstrating promising results in crime prevention.” Following the handover
ceremony, CPF members cycled to Boitumelo Mall to showcase their new equipment. During this action, the Thabong Mobile CSC was stationed at the mall to assist the community with certification and affidavits, ensuring convenient access to essential services. Earle says the CPF members expressed deep gratitude for the generous sponsorship, acknowledging the thoughtfulness behind the donation. Further community support was demonstrated by tuckshop owners, who provided water and cold drinks for the event. “This initiative underscores the power of collaboration in enhancing safety and security, making a tangible difference in the lives of Thabong residents.”
The handover of bicycles to the Thabong Community Policing Forum (CPF) will go a long way in helping to combat crime. From the left are Joe Sebeela, (provincial board CPF chairperson), Lebohang Mokhoabane (Thabong CPF chairperson), Molefi Mohapi (Coca-Cola sales manager) and Jimmy Nomandla (Lejweleputswa district CPF chairperson). Photo: SAPS
Iconic landmark saved thanks to public Thousands of rands’ worth of damage was caused when a would-be thief climbed the iconic Tree of Memories at Rose House in Montague Road, Bedelia, and stripped the tree of a cable to which more than 1 000 memorial lights were attached. Disaster struck on Saturday, 15 February, when the man was caught red-handed on the hospice premises, where he was busy stripping the tree of the electrical cable on which the memorial bulbs are attached. The suspect struck at about 06:37, and an alert was immediately received on the
Bedelia Police Forum regarding a suspect caught in the act of stealing. “Thanks to the vigilance and swift action of community members, the suspect was apprehended on the scene. A special thank you goes out to the residents involved, as well as the quick response from Shepherd Alarms and members of the police, who ensured the suspect was successfully taken into custody,” says Ray Goodsell, chairman of the Goldfields Hospice Association. He expressed his gratitude for the community’s efforts in preventing further loss and damage.
This incident highlights the crucial role the community plays in supporting the community policing forum (CPF), police, and security companies by serving as the eyes and ears in the fight against crime. We encourage continued cooperation to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents. Since its inception in 1991, the Goldfields Hospice’s Tree of Memories has become a landmark in the festive season, synonymous with goodwill and the raising of much needed funds for their community work. Goodsell says they would
appreciate any assistance possible from the community to have the Tree of Memories returned to its former glory. This tree, at 60 m, is considered the tallest living Christmas tree in the Free State. The idea behind the tree is to decorate it with lights bought in lieu of loved ones lost to terminal diseases. The project serves as an additional source of income to supplement costs at the hospice. The ideal way of ending a busy year and starting the festive season is to enjoy the switching on of their Christmas lights.
At more than 60 m, the iconic Tree of Memories situated at 58 Montague Road, Bedelia, is considered to be the tallest living Christmas Tree in the Free State. Photo: Marti Will