Communication Out

As we approach the end of the year and enter the festive season, CPF Sector 2 would like to thank every resident who has played a role in strengthening safety, communication and connection within Bathurst.

This year has reminded us that community safety starts with each of us. When residents stay observant, communicate clearly and act responsibly, crime is reduced and response improves.

🎯 Festive Season Safety Reminders

1. Safety starts at home

• Secure doors, windows, gates and outdoor items

• Ensure alarms, cameras and lights are working

• If you are travelling, arrange a house-sitter or ask a neighbour to keep an eye out

2. Report early and report clearly

Detailed, factual reporting helps us identify patterns and respond more effectively.

Please use the A.C.T.I.O.N guideline when reporting:

• A – Activity (what is happening)

• C – Clothing / description

• T – Time and exact location

• I – Identifiers (build, tattoos, direction of travel)

• O – Objects or tools seen

• N – Numberplates or neighbours alerted

Reports can be submitted via:

• Your Block WhatsApp Group

• The CPF S2 website: www.bathurstcpf.co.za

• SAPS Bathurst for all emergencies

If you cannot get through to SAPS or are unsure of the number, post a clear request for help in your Block WhatsApp Group so it can be escalated quickly.

👀 Be present. Be proactive.

• If something looks out of place — a cut fence, open gate, moved bin — take action
  Put it back, report it, or notify SAPS where appropriate.

• If you encounter someone unfamiliar in your area, greet them and make eye contact. Visible awareness is a powerful deterrent.

🐄 Stray cattle reminder

If cattle are seen moving toward a busy road:

• Take a photo

• Share it in your Block WhatsApp Group

Admins will forward this through CPF channels so it reaches the appropriate cattle owners or authorities quickly.

📢 Communication matters

Please avoid venting or speculating on unmonitored public social media groups. While often well-intended, this can create unnecessary panic or frustration rather than solutions.

Clear, channelled communication saves time and improves outcomes.

🤝 Supporting CPF S2 & the Bathurst Ambassadors

CPF Sector 2 Executive Committee members serve pro bono, guided by a shared commitment to a safe, welcoming and connected village.

The Bathurst Ambassadors Programme continues to play a vital role in visibility, early intervention and communication. This programme relies on community support.

You can help by:

• Donating any amount you can afford

• Reporting incidents promptly and clearly

• Treating Ambassadors, SAPS and fellow residents with respect and kindness

Donation details and transparency updates are available on our website.

🌱 Looking ahead

While crime may never disappear entirely, together we can reduce it. Let’s take what we’ve learned this year, strengthen our habits, and build a solid foundation for 2026 and beyond.

We encourage everyone to pause during this busy season — reflect, reconnect, and remember that safety is not only about protection, but about community.

Thank you for your continued cooperation, understanding and commitment to being part of the solution.

CPF Sector 2 – Bathurst
Working together for a safer, connected community

Residents are reminded that, should you spot stray cattle, the current system remains in place: phone the Fire Station and provide the location.

Please remember that this is peak calving season. It is not advisable to pick up cows without their calves, or calves without their mothers, as this causes distress and can worsen the situation. We are liaising closely with cattle owners, who are fully aware of the challenges and are currently overwhelmed dealing with dying cows, errant cattle, stranded calves, limited grazing, and ongoing drought pressures.

Our councillor will be taking these concerns to the Municipality on Monday.

In the interests of safety and security, we also ask all villagers to please:

•⁠  ⁠Where you see a gate open, close it.

  This includes the dump gate and commonage gates.

•⁠  ⁠Keep your own gates closed and ensure fences are intact.

•⁠  ⁠Drive carefully, especially early in the morning and at night.

You can also assist by sending a photo of the stray cattle to your CPF Block WhatsApp Group so it can be passed to the cattle owners quickly and efficiently.

When sending information, please include:

•⁠  ⁠Location

•⁠  ⁠Time spotted

•⁠  ⁠Direction they appear to be moving

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding during this difficult season for our farmers and their livestock.

CPF Sector 2, Bathurst Resident and Ratepayers Association and the Bathurst Commonage Management Committees.

Dear Bathurst Residents,

Important updates:

• Bathurst Crime Update (Apr–Sept 2024 vs. Apr-Sept 2025)
  General Theft is up. Please lock away loose garden items and tools.
  A rise in Sexual Offences & Assaults was reported. Please walk in groups and look out for vulnerable neighbors.
  Serious crime is DOWN 17%.
  Residential Burglaries have dropped massively (from 70 down to 40 cases). Great job securing homes! (Please visit https://www.bathurstcpf.co.za/bathurstcpf/community/crime-stats for a more detailed comparison.(Source: https://www.saps.gov.za/services/crimestats.php)

• The Bathurst Ambassadors program took a monumental step forward today (29 Novemebr 2025) when the Ambassadors witnessed and responded immediately to a situation involving a known car guard. This brings CPF S2 to a position where we can now start the accountability process to ensure the mentioned car guard receives the help he needs—or is instructed not to enter the CBD area at all.

• CPF S2’s Mascot Voting Week ends tomorrow, 30 November 2025. If you haven’t voted yet, please do—and, if possible, consider making a small donation to help sustain the positive impact that our community coming together has created. Vote here: https://forms.gle/aJoyxteM3fcgeYcb6 

• The CPF S2 Incident Form has been updated and is now called “CPF S2 Report a Crime.” You will also receive an automated confirmation email once your report is submitted. A copy of your information is automatically shared with SAPS; however, the complainant is still expected to report the incident directly to SAPS as well. You will find the link on our website.

To receive current updates and verified Safety and Security information, please consider joining the CPSF S2 WhatsApp Announcement board.

Warm regards,
Danie Boneschans
Chairperson

It has been noticeably quieter in Bathurst Village since the roll-out of the Bathurst Ambassadors Program, and since the two well-known repeat offenders have been in detainment from the beginning of September. While August saw an influx of incidents, September has been relatively calmer with only a few reported cases standing out.

From the reports we’ve received (some second-hand or unclear), it appears that much of the petty crime stems from the same two repeat offenders, while larger, more organised break-ins may be the work of others.

What’s Working

✅ Residents reporting directly to their CPF Block Watch groups are receiving support and rapid feedback.
✅ Block Watch signage is proving effective as a visible deterrent and reminder.
✅ Clear communication via block WhatsApp groups allows CPF to circulate concise and accurate updates to the wider community.
✅ Immediate reporting has enabled quicker tracing and follow-ups.

What’s Not Working

❌ Drama or speculation on public forums.
❌ Sharing half-truths or unclear information.
❌ Lack of situational awareness.
❌ Playing the blame-game instead of working together.

What You Can Do – Festive Season Readiness

With the busy festive season ahead, let’s take stock of what each of us can do to keep our families and neighbours safe:

• Check and update your home security.

• Make sure your neighbour is connected to your Block WhatsApp group.

• If you travel, arrange a house-sitter.

• Save and use the correct SAPS / CPF emergency numbers.

• Familiarise yourself with the A.C.T.I.O.N reporting system to make your reports accurate and useful.

• Keep supporting CPF Sector 2 financially or in other ways – the Bathurst Ambassadors (2 paid locals + 5 volunteers) rely on community contributions to stay active and effective.

Banking Details: 

Account Holder: BRRA

Account number: 63003349453

First National Bank 250655

Ref: Your name and CPF S2 

Final Word

We may not be able to eliminate crime altogether, but together we can reduce its impact. Stay alert, stay connected, and let’s work as one to keep Bathurst safe and thriving this festive season.