Confusion over the suspension of CPF structures
CPF resume oversight functions despite confusion over a statement made by provincial commissioner.
Media liaison officer, Thapelo Moiloa of the Department of Community Safety said: “The Gauteng provincial commissioner lieutenant general Lesetja Mothiba infringed the SA Police Service Act by allegedly instructing that all oversight functions by the Community Policing Forum (CPF) be suspended.”
Moiloa said the MEC Sizakele Nkosi-Malobane overturned the suspension by ordering that all CPF functions resume as normal.
He said CPF was established to ensure that police have and sustain a trusted relationship with the public – monitor resources allocated to the fleet or personnel.
“Police must be accountable and transparent in the manner they do their policing duties on a daily basis and comply with the national instruction.,” said Moiloa.
The SA Police Service Act on CPF states that;
- The service shall, in order to achieve the objects contemplated in section 215 of the Constitution, liaise with the community through community police forums and area and provincial community police boards, in accordance with sections 19, 20 and 21, with a view to-
(a) Establishing and maintaining a partnership between the community and the Service;
(b) Promoting communication between the Service and the community;
(c) Promoting co-operation between the Service and the community in fulfilling the needs of the community regarding policing;
(d) Improving the rendering of police services to the community at national, provincial, area and local levels;
(e) Improving transparency in the Service and accountability of the Service to the community; and
(f) Promoting joint problem identification and problem-solving by the Service and the community.
“The CPF plays a major role and will continue to access their way into police stations. If denied access they must report to the MEC’s office,” said Moiloa.
National Police Commissioner Riah Phiyega’s office will meet with Gauteng’s Department of Community Safety.
Gauteng Community Policing Board apparently has said the controversy was simply a mix-up.
