Douglasdale CPF to hold sector elections

The Douglasdale Community Policing Forum (CPF) will be holding elections for committee members in all four sectors.

Every CPF is a legislated civilian arm of a police station and plays several important roles.

Read more: CPF meeting in Bryanston addresses crime issues

It is a link between the community and the police to ensure residents and business owners have a platform through which to engage authorities.

It is also a watchdog over the station, whereby community members can lay complaints about police conduct, and helps to promote and boost crime-fighting activities in the precinct.

The precinct, or area, where Douglasdale police operate is divided into four sectors. Each one is called a Sector Crime Forum.

Each sector needs a committee that works to ensure problems, activities, and ‘goings-on’ from the area are represented, and dealt with equitably on the mother body CPF platform.

The committees are constituted with the following positions, which are up for nominations and elections:
• Chairperson
• Deputy chairperson
• Secretary
• Deputy secretary
• Public relations officer
• Patrol co-ordinator.

Lizzy Mabena, Douglasdale CPF chairperson says, “All residents of the Douglasdale precinct are cordially invited to attend and nominate community members to serve on the sector crime forums.”

The community is asked to nominate people who they feel would be an asset if they joined the CPF; and those nominated are asked to avail themselves if they wish to be a part of the sector crime forum.

Nomination forms are available from the Douglasdale police station’s Client Service Center (CSC).

All positions are held voluntarily, without any remuneration or personal benefit, for a period of five years.

When a candidate is nominated, consider the following: ability to attend a sector meeting once a month, willingness to participate in CPF activities, willingness to act by the rules and constitution of the CPF, and willingness to sign the nomination form, and agree to stand for election.

Also read: Douglasdale CPF advises community to be vigilant

Every nomination form collected and returned must be completed in the registration book accordingly and signed. No nomination form will be accepted if not captured in the registration book.

Completed and signed nomination forms must be placed inside the nomination box, which is also available at the Douglasdale CSC. These must include a clear copy of the ID of the person being nominated, and proof of residence not older than two months to verify they live or work in the precinct.

Public meetings to elect Sector Crime Forum committees will be on the following days:
(Please take note of the cut-off date for nominations below per sector.)

Sector 1
• Suburbs: Douglasdale, Jukskei Park, Meadowdale, Northriding, Olivedale, Sharonlea, Suikerbossie.
• Nominations close July 23.
• Date of meeting: July 30
• Venue: Northriding Methodist Church, 174 Blandford Road
• Time: 18:00–20:00

Sector 2
• Suburbs: Bloubosrand, Chartwell, Farmwall, Fandisi, Kya Sands, Moreadal, Msawawa, Tirong.
• Nominations close August 9
• Date of meeting: August 16
• Venue: Christian Revival Church, Cnr Riverbend and Witkoppen roads.
• Time: 10:00–12:00

Sector 3
• Suburbs: Broadacres, Craigavon, Chartwell North, Dainfern, Fourways Gardens, Steyn City, Witkoppen, Zevenfontein 407
• Nominations close July 27
• Date of meeting: August 3
• Venue: Indaba Hotel, auditorium, Winnie Mandela Drive, Fourways
• Time: 10:00–12:00

Sector 4
• Suburbs: Beverley AH, Blandford Ridge, Blue Haven, Fourways, Helderfontein, Lonehill, Magaliessig, Norscot, Stone Ridge
• Nominations close August 6
• Date of meeting: August 13
• Venue: Lonehill Village Church, 23 Crestwood Drive
• Time: 18:00–20:00

Any questions may be directed to Lizzy Mabena, Douglasdale CPF chairperson, via email at lizzy.mabenacpf@gmail.com, or 078 001 7513.

Related article: Douglasdale police address CPF Sector 3 residents at community imbizo