Faizel Patel, Radio Islam News, 2014-11-07

The Community Policing Forum’s (CPF) elections for all sectors in Lenasia, south of Johannesburg will be held on Saturday the 8th of November at the Lenasia Civic Centre which will be monitored by the office of the MEC for safety and security Sizakele Nkosi-Malobane.

The MEC’s office also elects the sector crime forums and will announce a date for the executive to be elected after prospective representatives have been screened.

“The CPF is a body that creates unison between the community and the police so that crime can be combatted in an efficient way,” Mohammad Asvat from Blockwatch told Radio Islam.

Asvat said the CPF has major powers in a sense that they work in conjunction with the police. “Police basically look after crime, while the CPF addresses issues to policing.”

In recent months Lenasia and surrounds has been plagued by crime with a CPF that was largely lethargic and ineffective. Asvat stresses that people must take responsibility and get involved in assisting with fighting crime.

“We need people that’s willing to give time to the community…the communication between the police and community has been lost and we need to re-instill confidence in the police,” said Asvat.

Asvat said that once the CPF is elected, the community will be made aware via radio and print media on who to contact when requiring assistance.

(Twitter: @Faizie143)