CPF, SAPS committed to work together

The Benoni CPF elected its new committee on Tuesday, August 18.

Incumbent chairperson Reza Patel was elected as chairperson, which went uncontested.

He has served as chairperson of the Benoni CPF for 10 years.

The other five office bearers are:

•  Zen Teitge – deputy chairperson
•  Carrie Geral – secretary
•  Khosi Hlongwane – deputy secretary
•  Sajid Shahaboodien – treasurer
•  Tamara Mackenzie – public relations officer

These members will be joined by 10 additional members, who will fulfil different functions within the CPF, which are still to be determined.

Acting Benoni SAPS cluster commander, Brig Poobalan Subbiah welcomed the new, yet experienced structure.

“When you have an election for a CPF, you always need to have the old school in its new body,” said Subbiah.

“The reason for that is that you do not have to start a learning process again and again, because when you do that, you cripple the CPF.”

Subbiah stressed the importance of the on-going relationship between the CPF and the police.

“I want you to work with us, you are our partners, the support and the eyes and ears,” Subbiah added.

“We are going to make a difference because you want to sleep, you want to dream – everyone wants to be safe.

“The men and women outside, the patrollers, the CPF, are all responsible to ensure our safety and anyone who comes into the cluster or Benoni station.

“We will do our utmost to ensure the safety and security of everyone, black, white, green, women, children, you name it.”

Patel, who intended to vacate his office when his term came to an end, was requested by fellow members to stay on as chairperson.

He said he will groom some of the members to take over as chairperson in the next couple of years.

Patel said work with law enforcement will begin immediately to keep ensuring Benoni’s safety.

“We need to work towards a future where Benoni is safer; Benoni can only be safer if we work collectively,” he said.

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