The South African Police Service (SAPS) in KwaZulu-Natal has called on community leaders to play an active role in maintaining peace and stability as authorities prepare for planned marches on June 30 and the upcoming local government elections.
Speaking during a stakeholder engagement session held at the Coastlands Hotel in Umhlanga on Wednesday, Acting Provincial Commissioner Major General Phumelele Makoba met with members of the Provincial Community Police Forum (CPF) Board, the Provincial Youth Crime Prevention Desk (YCPD), and district chairpersons from both structures to discuss crime prevention and public safety strategies.
The meeting formed part of ongoing efforts by police to strengthen cooperation with community structures, which authorities regard as critical partners in combating crime and ensuring public order.
Major General Makoba outlined the current state of policing in the province and briefed stakeholders on operational plans related to the anticipated marches and the local government elections expected later this year.
She stressed that police efforts alone would not be sufficient to address crime and maintain stability without support from communities.
“Police efforts in fighting crime will not be effective without support from the community. We are pleading with you to spread the message of peace, stability and order,” Makoba said.
She cautioned CPF members against participating in activities that could compromise their role as community safety representatives.
“You cannot be a member of the CPF and also be seen leading illegal marches or instigating violence during marches. You cannot be seen to be actively involved in political campaigns or acts that favour one political party over the other,” she said.
Makoba described community policing structures as a vital link between law enforcement agencies and residents, adding that their conduct should reflect their commitment to public service.
“You are an important stakeholder in cascading information from the police to the community at large. Your actions must be exemplary and your voluntary commitment to serving the people of KwaZulu-Natal does not go unnoticed,” she said.
Provincial CPF Board Chairperson Mabutho Mtshali echoed the commissioner’s message, urging CPF leaders at station level to support police operations and help foster safer communities.
“The destruction of property affects us all. Ours is to bring our people together to isolate criminals and create safe communities for our people,” Mtshali said.
“Police cannot police the community without people’s involvement in the fight against crime,” he added.
The call for neutrality was reinforced by Siyanda Biyela, the secretary of the KwaZulu-Natal CPF and national spokesperson for the CPF. Biyela reminded members that community policing structures should remain focused on crime prevention rather than political activities.
“Apart from the marches, we have elections coming in November and we must respect our positions in society and prioritise safety and security as our main reason of existence,” Biyela said.
He also warned members against the misuse of CPF branding, saying the CPF logo should only be used for activities aimed at combating crime and promoting community safety.
District CPF chairpersons attending the engagement pledged their continued support for police initiatives and reaffirmed their commitment to promoting peace, order and stability within their communities.
The engagement forms part of SAPS’s broader strategy to strengthen partnerships with community stakeholders as the province prepares for significant public events in the coming months.