PRETORIA NORTH RESIDENTS UNITE TO TACKLE CRIME – THAG SUBFORUM SECTOR 2 REVIVED!
Residents of Theresapark and Hesteapark gathered at Dolfyn Street Park this past weekend in a renewed effort to confront crime and strengthen community safety in the area.
The meeting, organised by the Pretoria North Community Policing Forum (CPF) Sector 2, focused on reactivating the THAG Subforum, a community structure that serves residents of Theresapark and Hesteapark.
The initiative aims to rebuild community participation in local safety efforts following growing concerns about crime in the neighbourhood.
In recent months, residents have raised concerns about rising incidents of theft, suspicious activity, and safety issues affecting both homes and public spaces in Theresapark and Hesteapark.
Previous reports highlighted how some residents felt vulnerable, particularly during the evenings and early mornings when criminals often target neighbourhoods.
The new modus operandi of criminals is hitting homes in broad daylight midweek when everyone is at work and school, in fact, in some instances, the criminals attack on weekends too, obviously through tipoff.
The meeting at Dolfyn Street Park brought together residents determined to take back control of their community through cooperation and visibility.
During discussions, residents agreed on practical steps to strengthen neighbourhood patrols.
One of the decisions taken was for community members to purchase safety whistles that can be used during patrols and emergencies to alert others in the area.
Community leaders believe the simple tool could make a significant difference in situations where residents need to quickly call for help.
The CPF also committed to engaging with the management of Theresapark Secondary School to address concerns raised by residents about scholar transport vehicles that frequently loiter around the school premises during school hours.
Since the school was introduced by government, as well as Theresapark Primary School, situated next to each other, crime in the area has escalated, and an urgent need for action is needed, according to community leaders.
To rub salt on an open wound, the once quiet and tidy Theresapark has now been turned into a dumping site where loitering is the order of the day, and the community park has been taken over by pupils from both schools, denying locals their space back at the park.
Residents expressed worries that the situation could create safety risks for learners and contribute to congestion in surrounding streets.
The planned meeting with the school aims to find solutions that prioritise the safety of pupils while maintaining order in the area.
Beyond the specific concerns discussed, the meeting carried a strong message about the importance of community involvement in fighting crime.
CPF representatives encouraged residents to become more active in neighbourhood patrols and to strengthen communication between neighbours, community structures and law enforcement.
For many who attended, the meeting represented more than just a discussion about crime – it was a reminder that safer communities are built when residents work together.
The CPF Sector 2 expressed appreciation to all residents who attended the gathering and emphasised that the success of the THAG Subforum depends on continued participation from the community.
Residents were urged to stay involved, attend future meetings and support patrol initiatives as part of the ongoing effort to build a safer Theresapark and Hesteapark.
Know your CPF leadership:
Isaac Banda, Sector 2 Chairman – 073 1888669
Hazel Lekalakala, Sector 2 Deputy Chairman – 071 700 9399