Townhill CPF reassures residents ahead of planned national protest
Speaking at a Ward 25 CPF community meeting, chairperson Sam Green briefed residents on security preparations and contingency plans.
The Townhill Community Policing Forum (CPF) has sought to reassure residents that safety and security measures will be intensified in the coming days, particularly ahead of the planned national protest on June 30.
Speaking at a Ward 25 CPF community meeting on Friday afternoon, chairperson Sam Green briefed residents on security preparations and contingency plans.
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Green urged residents to remain calm and avoid panic, saying there is currently no identified threat to residential neighbourhoods.
While organisers of the planned protest have indicated that it is intended to be peaceful, she cautioned that large gatherings can create opportunities for criminal elements to exploit the situation.
She said the South African Police Service, Metro Police, private security companies and other role players have comprehensive operational plans in place to respond should any incidents arise.
Green urged residents not to engage with or provoke protesters, stressing that any law enforcement intervention should be left to the authorities.
She also encouraged the public to report suspicious activity, including unusual gatherings, stockpiling of tyres, or suspicious vehicles carrying tyres, rubble or fuel containers, to SAPS or their security providers.
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She appealed to residents to refrain from sharing unverified information, outdated videos or misleading social media posts, warning that misinformation fuels unnecessary fear and undermines coordinated response efforts.
Green said communication channels between the city centre and residential areas will remain active throughout the planned protest, with verified updates to be shared as they become available.
She added that contingency plans have also been developed should the security situation change, including the mobilisation of community volunteers to assist as patrollers or area contacts if required.
“Preparedness is not about expecting the worst; it’s about ensuring that if anything does happen, we respond in an organised, calm and coordinated manner,” Green said.
She said community safety structures and authorities were working closely together to prevent a repeat of the widespread unrest seen in July 2021.
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“Our greatest strength is a community that communicates, stays calm and looks out for one another,” she said.
