SAPS Contact numbers: 046 625 0260 / 067 598 1990
Bathurst Security Blocks 1-10. If you don’t know your block administrator’s name and number, please phone Danie on 076 090 1016.
For more information and updates of activities, please check out the CPF website https://www.bathurstcpf.co.za; click here on Bathurst CPF.
13 June 2025: Weekend Safety reminder:
🚨 2 trespassing incidents reported this morning in Blocks 3 & 9.
👉 One known suspect is currently detained from a previous case, which rules him out.
👉 This gives us a valuable opportunity to compare any new patterns with previous ones.
✅ HOW YOU CAN HELP:
Report ANY suspicious activity immediately on your Block / Area WhatsApp group.
Log your report on Community Wolf — it helps CPF & SAPS to build the bigger picture.
🟢 COMMUNITY WOLF – EASY GUIDE:
Add Community Wolf to your WhatsApp contacts:
🔗 https://www.communitywolf.com/whatsapp
Once you have added Community Wolf to your WhatsApp, you will recieve a message that reads: “Welcome to Community Wolf”
Follow the step-by-step prompts.
When reporting an activity your report is logged safely for CPF monitoring.
🎥 WATCH THE QUICK TUTORIAL:
👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQJ2SPg95A0&t=177s
🔎 REMEMBER:
• Exact time, description & direction helps
• Photos, prints or video are valuable
🙏 Thank you for your vigilance & support.
7 June 2025: Safety officer Initiative:
A final direction for the Safety Officer (SO) initiative has been decided. The next meeting to finalise details — will take place soon. We’ll keep you updated as things progress.
Thank you to everyone who shared input, gave feedback, and helped shape this initiative. This is a community effort, made possible by invested residents and local business owners working together.
In the meantime:
➡ If someone in the visible CBD-area becomes aggressive towards you, or you witness such a situation and feel a person is in real danger, please call SAPS directly on 046 625 0260
Provide:
* Your name
* A description of the person
* A description of the incident
* The exact location
👉 Only call if you were not involved in the starting the conflict.
➡ For ongoing nuisance behaviour (e.g. yelling, harassment, intimidating visitors or patrons):
Please send a WhatsApp to 076 090 1016. Include:
* Your name
* Description of the person
* Their current location
* Description of their behaviour
* The time of the incident
Let’s work together to make Bathurst a place where respect and safety are the norm.
4 June 2025: Community Petition: Oppose Bailin Toposcope Robbery case
Following the recent stabbing and robbery at the Toposcope, a suspect has been arrested and is expected to appear in Port Alfred Magistrate’s Court on Thursday.
SAPS has advised that the community may submit a petition requesting that bail be denied.
If you’d like to support this, please sign the online petition. Every signature shows that Bathurst stands united for justice and safety.
About 400 signatures have been handed over the prosecutor. Thanks to all who signed. The CPSF S2 has also handed over a request to escalated charge.
The Prosecutor also confirmed that the suspect is still being detained.
5 June 2025: Bail was denied in court today.
19 May 2025: Community Notice: Tenant screening & Crime prevention
It has come to our attention that some property owners renting out houses, cottages, or rooms on a long-term basis are not taking the necessary steps to properly screen tenants. In certain cases, this has led to individuals with known criminal records being housed in our village, contributing to the past and current incidents of crime in Bathurst, especially in Sector 2.
We urge all landlords to take this seriously. By failing to screen tenants, you unintentionally create safe havens for those harming your community.
If you are a landlord, please:
* Request valid identification and proof of income
* Run basic background or reference checks
* Avoid cash-only arrangements with no paper trail
* Know your rights and obligations under South African rental law
Useful Resources for Landlords in South Africa:
1. Rental Housing Tribunal (RHT)
For rental disputes, landlord rights, and tenant obligations, download:
https://www.dhs.gov.za/sites/default/files/publications/RENTAL%20HOUSING%20TRIBUNAL2.pdf
2. LegalWise: Guide to Evictions
Clear outline of the legal process for evicting a tenant
https://l1nq.com/Tq8wS
3. Important Eviction Note:
“The Prevention of Illegal Eviction from and Unlawful Occupation of Land Act, 19 of 1998 (PIE Act) – it is always a challenge for property owners when their tenants stop paying and they have to be evicted because strict procedures need to be followed. You cannot just throw people out of your property, nor can you change the locks. The process is onerous and potentially costly making the vetting and ongoing tenant and property management process vital.” – https://shorturl.at/btAd8
4. TransUnion Credit Checks: https://www.transunion.co.za/
5. POPIA Compliance Guide for Landlords: https://popia.co.za/
6. TPN Tenant Screening Services: https://mrisoftware.tpn.co.za/
Please share this with any landlords or agents you know.
You (and your neighbours) don’t want to become victims of your own negligence.
13 May 2025: Community Update For details click here
14 April 2025: Safety Officer Initiative
Thank you so much to everyone who has contributed to the CPSF Sector 2 Safety Officer Initiative. With long weekends and a busy season ahead, it’s more important than ever that we act swiftly – while still being mindful that good things take time.
Securing the right service provider and a suitable, trustworthy person for this role is key to the success and long-term sustainability of this project. We appreciate your ongoing patience as we work through this process.
🚨 We’re excited to share that we’ve surpassed our initial fundraising goal of R6,000!
This will help us launch a 2-month trial phase of the Safety Officer project.
✅ To ensure continuity beyond the trial period, we kindly ask that you keep contributing monthly if possible.
💡 If you’re unable to contribute financially, there are other meaningful ways to help – for example:
– Offering a meal once a month to the Safety Officer
– Volunteering just 5 minutes of your time to help fast-track any tasks
– Helping us spread the word about the initiative
Creative contributions are just as valuable. This is a team effort, and it’s our collective community support that will make the real difference!
At present, we’re waiting to hear back from three companies/entities that we’ve approached to assist with sourcing the right candidate. We’ll keep you updated as soon as the next steps are confirmed.
🔍 Reminder: What is the goal of our Safety Officer?
– To deter unwanted or suspicious behaviour in the CBD and surrounding village
– To be our eyes and ears on the ground
– To act as a transparent link to SAPS
– To minimise cash exchange on the streets, which can fuel substance abuse and other criminal activity
– To offer visitors and residents a safe alternative for making meaningful contributions through verified outreach programs
Please continue to use your discretion when interacting with car guards – by now, many of you have a good sense of who engages respectfully and who doesn’t.
📱 If you have not yet joined the SO Contribution WhatsApp group, feel free to do so by clicking here: https://chat.whatsapp.com/HYYbeOB6itc9wJuJ5SRVdY
Thanks again for being part of something that puts community first. Your support, in any form, really does matter.
26 March 2025: CPF Meeting Feedback – Community Update
Summary of key points from our informal CPF meeting yesterday, 25 March 2025 at Freestone Stadium, Nolukhanyo:
🔹 Crime Statistics (Since 1 March 2025)
A total of 33 cases have been reported across Sector 1 and Sector 2, including:
– 13 house break-ins and thefts
– Other cases: rape, assault, possession of stolen goods, obstruction of justice, and fraud
🔹 Concerning Trends
One of the major challenges we face is that local residents are buying stolen goods, directly fueling criminal activity. If there is no market for stolen items, criminals lose their incentive to steal. We urge everyone not to support crime by purchasing suspicious goods—if the price seems too good to be true, it probably is!
🔹 Repeat Offenders & Justice System Concerns
Despite multiple arrests, we are noticing a disturbing trend: repeat offenders are being released on bail / parole without SAPS being informed. This lack of communication blindsides both law enforcement and the community.
Additionally, parole officers are failing to follow up on released individuals, allowing criminals to return to their old ways unchecked.
⚠ Important Note: SAPS does not have the power to withdraw cases—this falls under the jurisdiction of Correctional Services, the Prosecutor, and the Court Manager. The breakdown in communication between the Department of Justice, SAPS, and the community means that we are often unaware that the same criminals are being released time and again.
🔹 Next Steps: A Public Meeting
To address these critical issues, we are planning to organise a public meeting, inviting key decision-makers from the justice system to explain how they expect us to fight crime when repeat offenders are continuously released—regardless of the severity of their crimes. Any one with more information or who can offer support regarding this matter, please let us know.
🔹 Community Action & Solidarity
While arrests are happening, our work doesn’t stop there. We must stand together, build trust, and remain vigilant. By working as a united community, we can root out criminals, ensure proper convictions, and push for a system that keeps repeat offenders behind bars.
Your ongoing support and awareness are vital to making Bathurst safer. Thank you for your commitment to our community.
Stay alert, stay safe, and stand together!
12th March 2025: Car Guard Solution
Following our meeting with Ndlambe By-Law officer Sipho Vilezantsi — as mentioned in our March newsletter — we’re now at the point where we can start building the funds to employ a Safety Officer for the CBD area.
Mr. Vilezantsi confirmed:
– It is illegal for anyone other than SAPS or traffic officers to direct traffic.
– It is illegal to loiter or trade on public roads.
He will personally issue fines to those breaking these by-laws, and if unpaid, a warrant for arrest will follow.
Together with our Safety Officer initiative, we aim to:
1. Deter unwanted “car guards.”
2. Increase visible safety in the CBD.
3. Reduce money exchanges between beggars/car guards and the public.
However, this is only part of the solution. Giving small change to beggars or car guards fuels the problem, and it will take more than just us to educate residents and visitors not to support this behavior.
We now ask for your help:
1. Commit to a monthly contribution — any amount you can afford — to support this initiative.
2. Stand with the CPF in discouraging handouts to beggars, loiterers, or “car guards.”
Our goal is to gather enough funds for a 3-month trial run to assess the impact of this initiative.
How to contribute: While we work on setting up the CPF bank account, installments can be made into the BRRA account:
– Bank: First National Bank – Branch Code: 250655
– Account No: 63003349453 – Reference: CPF(SO)[Your Name]
This group remains open for suggestions, but please only stay if you intend to contribute financially. By remaining in this group, you confirm your support for this cause.
Thank you for being part of the solution – Danie
CPF March Newsletter 2025: – to read, click here
15th February 2025: – Nico Uys – 📌 Self-defense class (not a Martial Arts course but a practical session with tips to help you protect and empower yourself).
💰 R100 per person 🕙 10:00 – 11:00 📍 St John’s Lodge (next to Bathurst Primary)
📞 Contact: Nico – 071 371 4129
Empowering Our Community: Nico Uys’ First Self-Defense Class a Success
On Saturday, 8 February, Bathurst saw the first of 
many self-defense classes led by Nico Uys, an initiative proudly supported by the Bathurst CPF. With a full house in attendance, Nico guided participants through a beginner session, focusing on practical, easy-to-learn moves designed to help individuals regain control in unexpected situations.
The energy in the room was high as attendees practiced techniques that could make all the difference in a moment of danger. The session was met with enthusiasm and positive feedback, with many participants already looking forward to the next class.
7th February 2025🚨 CPSF Awareness 🚨
Let’s stay vigilant and keep communication open with our neighbours. If you witness definite trespassing, please:
✅ Inform your block WhatsApp group immediately
✅ Call SAPS on 046 625 0260
✅ Sound an alarm!
Your awareness and quick action make a difference in keeping our community safe. Stay alert and look out for one another!
Proposal for Safety / Security Officer for the CBD
On the 18th of January 2025, the CPSF Sector 2 facilitated a workshop aimed at addressing the ongoing challenges and concerns related to car guards in our village.
Community Concerns: The primary issues voiced by residents include the presence of unregulated car guards, aggressive behavior, potential involvement in illegal activities, and the overall impact on the safety and perception of our village.
The outcome of the workshop is a draft proposal for a Visitor Welcoming and Safety Initiative. The key components include:
1. Appointment of a Security Officer: A uniformed individual stationed in the CBD to provide assistance, deter misconduct, and act as a liaison with SAPS and security services. Funded through community contributions, managed transparently via the BR&RA account.
2. Community Awareness and Support: Educational campaigns to discourage direct donations to unregulated car guards. Encouragement of donations to CPF initiatives instead, through branded boxes or EFT payments.
3. Future Potential: Expansion of the initiative to include broader security measures as it proves effective and gains support.
Visitor welcoming and Safety Initiative – see details here.
Request for Feedback: We are now at a stage where your input is crucial. Please review the attached proposal with the following in mind:
● Does the proposal address the concerns of various community demographics (e.g., elderly residents, business owners, families, etc.)?
● Are there any aspects that may require further refinement or clarification?
● Are there additional elements or considerations that should be included before presenting this to the wider community?
Next Steps: After incorporating your feedback, we aim to finalize the proposal and present it to our local private security companies as well as SAPS for implementation. Your perspective and expertise are essential to ensuring the success of this initiative. Thank you.
3rd February 2025: Information session with Roger Ralph – Security Enhancements & Recommendations – see details here
The CPSF S2 is inviting all residents to download the Zello PTT app which can be used for immediate response and support from neighbours nearby. Please join the Zello Tech support group. if you require assistance in onboarding.
27th January 2025: 🚨 CPSF Sector 2 Security Warning🚨
We have received reports of increased activity during the night and early morning hours in the Block 3, Elizabeth Road, Kings Road and York street areas. With one successful break-in in Kings road this morning.
Perpetrator(s) appear to be on foot, moving from house to house, checking for entry points with the intent to steal electronics such as laptops and phones.
Unfortunately, some known criminals have been released and have been spotted walking the streets during the day, likely observing and identifying potential targets.
We urge everyone to remain vigilant and take extra precautions until a more concrete solution is in place. In the meantime:
Report any suspicious activity to your block WhatsApp groups.
Notify SAPS immediately of any criminal activity.
Look out for your neighbors and help keep the community alert.
19th August 2024: Communication letter from our CPF is available here.
August 2024: Bathurst Village has now got its own CPF!
What a huge step forward for our village. We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Chris Boyd for taking the first (of many) steps to get the CPF off the ground despite many challenges and for always being available to offer advice when needed. A special thanks also to George Kukulies for his hands-on support to create a and lead the elections and for leading the CPF in the right direction. For the first CPF communication letter, please click here.
As part of the CPF’s mission to initiate and support workshops that contribute to creating a safe and secure community environment, we are pleased to present Marcia Moon’s Investigation Workshop. After meeting with Marcia, we discussed the structure and outcomes of the workshop to ensure its relevance to us here in Bathurst.
Currently, as we are just beginning with the CPF, we do not have the funds to offer this workshop for free to everyone. However, we are actively looking into funding opportunities to support future workshops and make them more accessible to all.
Our continuous plan of action is to gather as much information about any suspicious activity by reporting it to the police and adding it to our database. More information regarding how to add it to our database will follow. By doing so, we can establish the what’s, the where’s, and the how’s.