Police forum faces restructuring
ALEXANDRA - Plans are in progress to restructure the community police forum in order to increase its visibility and help it fulfil its mandate.
Plans are in progress to restructure the community police forum in order to increase its visibility and help it fulfill its mandate.
The forum is a community representative structure in the fight against crime and works alongside the police as the eyes and ears of the community. It is comprised of community members who have been vetted to exclude criminals in its ranks. Unfortunately, it is not funded to enhance its communication, management and operational efficiency. Recently, it solicited for more reflecting jackets and other essential materials after it received limited donations from the Alexandra Development Forum.
Its restructuring is to enhance its visibility and to equip its members against allegations that it does not operate in the entire Alexandra area, making it dysfunctional in the eyes of other residents. Also, the restructure will address concerns that some of its members prefer to work in the scholar patrol units where they receive stipends unlike the community patrols. In addition, the restructuring is to deal with accusations that some of its members function as police reservists violating their mandate, which is to gather information for use by the police and intelligence units in averting crimes. Cedric Chauke of Tshebelisano Support Network, a member of the forum, said the restructuring which is supported by MEC for Public Safety, Sizakele Nkosi-Malobane will restore the forum to its mandate of crime information collection for use by security agencies, revive the patrols in the entire area and also the street committees. He said they were waiting in anticipation for a ministerial determination on the stipends to motivate participation in the patrols.
Meanwhile he said, the forum was engaging the corporate sector and others for financial and material support. “The South African Breweries is considering supporting us with torches, uniforms and reflector jackets. The National Youth Development Agency is collaborating on strategies to kerb underage drinking, substance and drug abuse. The civic association is exploring ways of coming aboard.’ He added that the Liquor Traders Association was their other partner. “They have come aboard to free themselves from allegations that many criminals plan their activities and trade in ill gotten goods from their outlets. As good citizens, they don’t like to be seen as collaborating in these illegal acts.”
Chauke added that the restructuring is also timely as it coincides with the festive season, when more money is circulating around and the public’s excitement with bonuses leads to their vulnerability to robberies.
