Provincial police and MEC at loggerheads over CPF’s

Panic and confusion has broken out after a letter of instruction by the Gauteng Police Commissioner, Luitenant General Lestja Mothiba, has surfaced wherein he has suspended the oversight functions of Community Police Forums (CPF).

Oversight functions include but are not limited to receiving statistics from police stations, discussing crime trends, monitoring staff on duty at any given time and whether calls are fielded.

The MEC for Community Safety, Sizakele Nkosi-Malobane – has criticised Mobitha over this decision which was born after it was announced CPF’s will have extended oversight functions. Mobitha said these were unclear and until National Police Commissioner Riah Phiyega instructs him otherwise the suspension will stand.The DA does not agree though. DA shadow MEC for Community Safety Kate Lorrimar said in a press statement “this a direct contravention of section 18 (1) of the South African Police Service Act which states that, amongst other things, the provincial SAPS shall establish CPFs with the view to improving transparency in the Service and accountability of the Service to the community.

“Transparency and accountability can only be achieved through oversight; a critical component of ensuring that our communities receive the services they deserve. Civilian oversight is a constitutionally mandated exercise which the police commissioner cannot simply suspend,” said Lorrimar.

“Even if Mothiba disagrees he can not simply go above the law and make these decisions. This is a very serious matter,” she told the Record. “As it is, many CPF’s are not doing the oversight function at police stations and are rather out on patrols.”

Florida CPF public relations officer (PRO) Caleb Finn feels the instruction is not as draconian as it seems and the public and CPF’s should not panic.

“To my knowledge the problem came in with the suggestion of increased oversight functions, where we would do more physical oversights at stations rather than just having documents exchanged during meetings, which it seems the Commissioner was not familiar with,” said Finn.

“Our relationship with the police is still healthy and we continue to exercise the functions as before. A meeting between all the role players will take place today where it is believed the issue will be resolved,” he concluded.

The Record is currently awaiting official comment from the provincial police structure.

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