started
28 June 2007
The MEC for Safety and Security Mr Fish Mahlalela in his policy and budget
speech mentioned that, "The CPF since their establishment almost 10 years ago
has been successful to massively mobilise our society in a united front against
crime." He furthermore looked at the CPF structural arrangement, which needs a
serious revamp for the facilitation of services to the people.
In view of the above, the Department has then commenced with the
reconfiguration of the CPF. Two regions Nkangala and Gert Sibande had been
consulted on the 23 and 24 June 2007 to explain and redefine their roles.
Community policing has now been recognised as more effective because it
understands that it is not the police alone who has a responsibility in
combating crime. It is the community who are largely responsible for criminal
prosecutions as they lay charges, make statements, testify in court and assist
the police in performance of their functions. Without their co-operation, no
police force can discharge its duties effectively.
In the new structural arrangement the communities will be given an
opportunity to assess police performance based on the policing priorities and
targets that are set in the master plan which has been agreed upon between the
community and the station commissioner. This will also strengthen the
accountability of the police to the community they serve.
It was also highlighted in the meeting that the existing fora will have to
go back to the community to seek for the fresh mandate so that they can start
with the revamped and redefined duties.
Enquiries:
Nosisa Sogayise
Tel: 013 766 4055
Cell: 083 960 1078
Issued by: Department of Safety and Security, Mpumalanga Provincial
Government
28 June 2007
