Update

WESTERN CAPE NEWS - Last week the provincial minister of community safety Albert Fritz officially marked the opening of the first community police forum (CPF) elections around the province.

Together with the province's deputy police commissioner Major General Mpumelelo Manci, and the provincial electoral officer for the Western Cape, Reverend Courtney Sampson, Fritz officially pledged support to the CPF annual general meeting (AGM) directives and guidelines.

The signing of the directives marks the official beginning of the CPF elections to be held at AGMs across the province between September and December 2019, as per the Uniform Constitution for Community Police Forums and Boards in the Western Cape: 2010.

Fritz was excited about this new development, saying it brings a sense of formality to CPFs around the province, and "the necessary legitimacy and guidance to the CPF electoral process". "As we begin the CPF elections, I look forward to interacting with the newly elected executives that wish to build fruitful relationships with both their local neighbourhood watches and SAPS to root out crime."

Following the national CPF board's structure, a five-year term of office was adopted by the provincial board in 2014, and the current five-year term ends in 2019. Elections in the Eden District will be held between 25 September and 4 October, all in accordance with the new guidelines and directives.

Said Fritz, "I would like to encourage all community members to involve themselves in their local CFP electoral AGMs.

Each and every single citizen of this province needs to contribute to the discussion on safety in their communities. If you or your organisation are interested in joining a CPF, and would like to participate in its activities, please enquire with my department, or with your local SAPS station commander.

You will need to obtain, fill in and submit the necessary application form to register your organisation. You can download the form from the department of community safety's website."

Read a previous article here: Time to elect your community guardians

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