By Stephan Lehman
A number of Edenvale CPF executive members have resigned from their positions.
Prince Mathebula, vice chairman of the ECPF, announced at the August 30 meeting that three members had officially resigned, while a fourth had “resigned in principle”.
“The fourth, Linda McKenzie, has resigned in principle and stepped aside, but her resignation letter has not been received,” Mathebula said.
Also read: EXCLUSIVE: Edenvale CPF chairperson accused of bribery, abuse of position and defamation
The NEWS reported in June that McKenzie, the ECPF chairperson at the time, had taken a leave of absence after she admitted to making statements which DA party leaders described as “alleged bribery, the abuse of her position and defamation”.
“In light of criminal charges laid against McKenzie, there will be no comment at this stage,” McKenzie’s legal representation, Martin John Hood, from MJ Hood & Associates Attorneys, told the NEWS at the time of announcing her leave of absence.
At Thursday’s meeting, Mathebula said he would communicate with media platforms in the weeks to come to advertise the vacancies.
Mathebula said he hopes the elections for new executive members will be held at the September meeting.
“I hope to have every sector of Edenvale represented in the executive,” he explained.
Also read: LATEST: Edenvale CPF chair takes leave of absence
Greenstone security
Besides the community’s concerns about the future of the ECPF’s executive, questions were also raised by community members regarding security in Greenstone.
Col Malesela Mapulane, Edenvale SAPS station commander, said he would be attending a meeting soon with provincial SAPS to discuss preventative measures not only for shopping centres, but also for the festive season.
Mathebula urged community members to work closely with the SAPS and the ECPF to prevent crime.
He said the ECPF now has an office at the Edenvale Police Station to allow for greater communication between the public and the police.
“The CPF is here to liaise with the SAPS,” said Mathebula.
Mapulane emphasised the need for security companies to also work closely with the SAPS.
“We need the involvement of security companies to help save the residents of Edenvale,” said Mapulane.
This announcement came after a successful joint operation between SAPS, security companies and community members on August 25.
Between August 1 and 30, Mapulane said, Edenvale SAPS had made a total of 96 arrests.
The largest contributors to this number were assault with the intention to do grievous bodily harm (seven), drug- related activities (27), suspected driving under the influence of alcohol (13) and fraud (six).
Some of the safety tips which Mapulane gave the public were:
- Community members must be aware of their surroundings.
- Report all suspicious activities.
- Do not leave valuables visible inside cars.
- Be wary of jobseekers asking for jobs.
- Ensure that domestic workers have access to a panic button.
- Keep an eye on their neighbour’s property.
Mapulane encouraged all community members to report crime or suspicious activities.
Sgt Jacob Mashile, head of the Edenvale SAPS Social Crime Prevention Unit, said the Edenvale Youth Desk together with the SAPS plans to host a ‘sports against crime’ event on September 22.
The event will take the form of a 5km run in Edenvale.
The next ECPF meeting will be held on September 27.
Read more on how to prevent crime
