Stroom Stories: Safety Starts With Us, The CPF in Potchefstroom
- Karen Scheepers
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
In a powerful and eye-opening episode of Stroom Stories, Pieter sat down with Herman (Chairman) and Fanie (Vice-Chairman) of the Community Policing Forum (CPF) in Potchefstroom. The interview offered an in-depth look at how this legally mandated structure functions as a vital bridge between the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the communities they serve.
What Is the CPF?
The CPF is not a neighborhood watch group or a casual community initiative, it is a formal body recognised under the Police Act. Its purpose is to bring community members, SAPS, businesses, churches, and local safety organisations together to:
Improve safety through communication and collaboration.
Hold the police accountable and ensure transparency.
Identify crime trends and assist in developing strategies to combat them.
How It Works
Potchefstroom is divided into four sectors, each with a chairperson and representatives. Sector meetings happen monthly, supported by an executive committee and a general CPF council meeting where crime stats are shared, successes celebrated, and community feedback welcomed.
In Sector 1, which includes areas north of the N12 like Van der Hoff Park, visible patrols have reduced crime by a staggering 99%. Behind these statistics are individuals who donate their own time and resources, patrolling even on cold nights without recognition. "These are the heroes we don’t always see. They are the eyes and ears of our police."
Monthly CPF Features & Public Access
This Stroom Stories episode also marked the beginning of a monthly CPF update series. Herman, Fanie, and other CPF members will return regularly to:
Share up-to-date crime stats.
Talk about new success stories.
Discuss their new WhatsApp communication structure and upcoming CPF website.
These platforms will allow residents to:
Stay informed on trends and meeting dates.
Join their area's WhatsApp group (after verification).
Report issues or get help directly.
The Go-To Guy Gets Involved
In a rare move, Frans, owner of The Go-To Guy, interrupted the live stream, not something he usually does. He shared how little he previously knew about the CPF and how impressed he was after researching its structure and impact.
"The CPF is the official link between us and the police. And people just don’t know."
He expressed a commitment to help amplify the CPF’s positive work, explaining how many crime-related posts online attract only negative comments, while success stories go untold.
Clarifying CPF & Neighborhood Watch Roles
While CPF is the formal body, neighborhood watches form part of its structure and are essential for street-level visibility. Patrollers aren’t vigilantes, they are trained to:
Support SAPS by being visible and reporting crimes.
Avoid interfering with evidence at scenes.
Undergo theoretical and practical training, including firearm regulations.
For instance, while licensed self-defence firearms are permitted on patrol, hunting rifles are not allowed. This ensures alignment with national standards like those enforced by organizations such as AfriForum, which provides structured training to avoid a vigilante reputation.
Cross-Town and Rural Cooperation
The CPF Potchefstroom works with CPF Fochville to strengthen rural safety efforts, especially against organised syndicates targeting farms. While crime often shifts from one area to another, collaboration, intelligence-sharing, and presence remain crucial deterrents.
The WhatsApp Strategy
One of the CPF’s most powerful tools is the cell phone. Each sector chairperson is tasked with building a communication structure:
From street-level groups, to area groups, to sector groups.
Information flows both ways—to and from SAPS.
The CPF’s name may not always appear, but their verified info travels via ward and neighbourhood channels.
The Go-To Guy's community page manager Karen is now structuring a user-friendly directory to help residents identify which sector they fall under and what groups are available.
Why Crime Must Be Reported
There’s a common misconception that reporting a crime is futile. The opposite is true. Unreported crimes distort statistics, which in turn affects national funding:
If stats look "good," a town may not receive the vehicles or police members it desperately needs.
If crimes are reported, even minor ones, it highlights real needs.
"We’ve seen communities wait two hours for a SAPS vehicle. Not because they don’t care, but because they’re under-resourced."
Real Successes
The CPF shared some key achievements:
A syndicate stealing cars weekly was dismantled through coordinated intelligence.
A stolen dashcam case led to the discovery of weapons and stolen goods.
CPF and SAPS worked to create a safer, more welcoming room at the police station for rape victims, in collaboration with local businesses.
In Closing
The CPF doesn’t wave flags or demand recognition. It quietly, consistently works alongside the community and police to make Potchefstroom safer.
"This is not politics. This is about your street, your family, your safety."
The Go-To Guy, in partnership with CPF Potchefstroom, will now regularly share CPF updates, public information, and local successes. Community safety is a shared responsibility—and now, you know where to start.
Click on Button Below to Watch the interview in Afrikaans
📌 Want to join your local WhatsApp CPF group? Stay tuned to our page for the upcoming directory and sector contacts.
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