26/05/2026
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This morning, Tuesday, 26 May 2026, the Douglasdale CPF joined Douglasdale SAPS, representatives from a local bank, and SASSA at a well-attended Senior Citizens Fraud and Crime Awareness Campaign held at Evergreen Lifestyle Retirement Village Broadacres.
Mr Neville Willemse, from the Douglasdale CPF, opened the programme and highlighted the importance of the partnership between SAPS and the CPF, explaining the role of the CPF in promoting community participation, crime prevention, and stronger relationships between the police and the community.
Warrant Officer Mokwena Social Crime Prevention from Douglasdale SAPS addressed attendees on the Older Persons Act (Act No. 13 of 2006) and discussed the various forms of elder abuse, including physical abuse, emotional, verbal and psychological abuse, financial abuse, sexual abuse, and violations of human rights.
He also explained the process of obtaining a protection order and encouraged seniors to report any form of abuse or exploitation.
Representatives from the Fraud Department of a local bank then addressed attendees on the growing threat of financial and cybercrime.
Topics covered included online banking fraud, phishing scams, telephone and SMS scams, card fraud, identity theft, ATM fraud, investment scams, and impersonation scams where criminals pretend to be bank officials, government representatives, or family members to obtain money or personal information.
Practical crime prevention advice was shared, including never disclosing PINs, passwords, OTPs (One-Time Pins), or banking details, verifying requests for money or personal information directly with the relevant institution, avoiding suspicious links and attachments, regularly monitoring bank accounts, and being cautious of offers or investments that appear too good to be true.
Attendees were reminded that fraudsters often rely on deception and manipulation rather than force, making awareness and vigilance the best forms of protection.
Mr Mavuso from SASSA provided valuable information on the grant top-up system, disability grants, and common scams targeting beneficiaries.
He urged attendees to protect their personal information and to be cautious of individuals offering assistance in exchange for money or requesting confidential details.
The presentations were followed by an interactive question-and-answer session, during which attendees had the opportunity to engage directly with the speakers.
The discussion was highly productive, with many practical questions being addressed and valuable advice shared on fraud prevention, personal safety, social grants, and the protection of older persons.
The campaign provided senior citizens with valuable information and practical tools to protect themselves from fraud, abuse, and crime, while reinforcing the importance of reporting incidents and seeking assistance when needed.
The Douglasdale CPF extends its sincere appreciation to the Evergreen Lifestyle Retirement Village for hosting the event and for their warm hospitality, including the provision of delicious refreshments for all attendees.
Their support and commitment contributed significantly to the success of this important community awareness initiative.
Douglasdale CPF also thanks all stakeholders, presenters, and residents who participated and helped make the event both informative and impactful.
Working together for a safer community.
Issued by
Douglasdale CPF PRO
Douglasdale CPF Sector 3
South African Police Service
Evergreen Lifestyle
