Latest news with #CPFs
The Citizen
24-07-2025
- The Citizen
Gauteng schools scale down security and anti-bullying programme
The department acknowledges that school managers often face intimidation when attempting to search for drugs or weapons. The Gauteng department of education has confirmed it has reduced reliance on private security services in schools, citing financial unsustainability. This was revealed by the department during a briefing to the Select Committee on Education, Sciences and Creative Industries on Tuesday. Financial strain forces downscaling The department said while its patroller programme remains active, the private security guard initiative has been scaled down. 'The security guards programme has proven to be financially unsustainable and has been downscaled,' the department said in an update presented to the provincial legislature this week. In its place, the department continues to deploy school patrollers and is finalising a memorandum of understanding with the department of community safety to include traffic wardens as part of safety efforts. Most patrollers, recruited through Community Policing Forums (CPFs), have undergone screening by the South African Police Service (Saps). 'Though the screening process is slow, three-quarters of the cohort have been vetted and were further inducted by the Saps and CPFs,' the department noted. ALSO READ: Schools reopen: here's when prelims start for matrics Anti-bullying policy shelved The department also confirmed that implementation of its exemplar school anti-bullying policy has been delayed due to financial constraints. While schools are encouraged to adopt their codes of conduct, the policy's rollout and associated training workshops have not been activated. 'The exemplar policy is about to be mediated through training workshops, but could not be activated due to cost-cutting measures,' said the department. However, advocacy campaigns against bullying continue through partnerships with Saps, the department of social development and non-governmental organisations. Where bullying is reported, disciplinary action is taken. 'The perpetrators are held to account through disciplinary hearings resulting in expulsions,' the department said, stressing that the South African Schools Act empowers school governing bodies to take strong action. ALSO READ: Overcrowding and shortage of toilets: Here's how many pupils share a classroom in Gauteng Weapons and drugs in schools remain a concern The department acknowledged that school managers often face intimidation when attempting to search for drugs or weapons. 'Evidence from the ground indicates that many school managers undergo serious intimidation and are reluctant to enforce such responsibility,' the department said. Nonetheless, schools are permitted to search pupils if there is reasonable suspicion, in collaboration with Saps and other partners. The department continues to run awareness campaigns to discourage substance abuse and violence in schools. 'The department works in partnership with Saps through search and seizure and disciplinary processes to deal with pupils in conflict with the law,' it said. NOW READ: These are the Gauteng school application walk-in centres
IOL News
13-07-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
CPFs rally behind Lieutenant General Mkhwanazi's fight against corruption
KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. Image: Shelley Kjonstad/Independent Newspapers Durban community police forums (CPFs) have pledged their support for KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. Last Sunday, Mkhwanazi said his team had discovered a syndicate operating within the police's higher structures. He placed scrutiny on Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and Deputy National Commissioner for Crime Detection, Lieutenant General Shadrack Sibiya. Leading up to President Cyril Ramaphosa's address on Sunday night, Durban-based CPFs have voiced their support for Mkhwanazi. On the Umbilo CPF Facebook page, chairperson Calvin Thomas issued a message of unwavering support for Mkhwanazi. Thomas said the CPF stands firmly behind Mkhwanazi following his recent revelations exposing deep-rooted corruption within the country's law enforcement and political structures. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading 'Your bravery in speaking truth to power, despite the risks, has reignited hope in the hearts of South Africans who yearn for integrity, accountability, and justice. We commend your unwavering commitment to protecting the people of KwaZulu-Natal and the nation at large, even when doing so demands immense personal sacrifice,' Thomas said. 'Your actions have reminded us that leadership is not about silence in the face of wrongdoing, but about standing tall when others falter. We echo the voices across the country who have rallied behind you, and we pledge our continued support as you navigate this critical moment.' Thomas added that the Umbilo CPF believes in Mkhwanazi's mission, integrity and vision for a police service that serves the people, not power. Similarly, Malvern CPF chairperson Kevin Pillay also extended unwavering support to Mkhwanazi. Pillay said that in a time where the fight against crime demands bold leadership, integrity, and tireless dedication, Mkhwanazi has proven himself to be a beacon of strength and accountability. His approach is not only rooted in operational excellence but also in genuine care for the communities he serves, Pillay said. 'We have witnessed his resilience in the face of political pressure, his fearless stance against internal corruption, and his determined effort to restore discipline and professionalism within the SAPS ranks. While others may waver, General Mkhwanazi stands tall, not for himself, but for the people of KZN. 'He understands that safety is not a privilege, but a right, and under his leadership, we are seeing policing that is people-centred, community-aligned, and justice-driven,' Pillay said. Know this: communities across this province are watching, listening, and standing in solidarity with this courageous leader, Pillay said to those who try to undermine Mkhwanazi's efforts or distract him from his mission. 'We, the Malvern CPF, call on all law-abiding citizens, civic structures, and political leaders to rally behind General Mkhwanazi. Let us give him the space, tools, and support he needs to continue doing what he does best, protecting the people and leading with honour,' Pillay said. 'He is not just a leader behind a desk; he is a presence on the ground, a voice for the voiceless, and a shield in our ongoing fight for peace and justice.' Ramaphosa will address the nation at 7pm on Sunday.
The Citizen
11-07-2025
- The Citizen
Amanzimtoti police release June crime statistics
AMANZIMTOTI'S finest had a busy June, conducting several raids in which a total of 18 suspects were arrested for various contact and property-related crimes, including assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, murder, fraud and truck jacking. Also read: Fire devastates Dakota beach informal settlement 30 convictions were secured for theft, burglary, shoplifting, possession of house break-in implements, and drunk driving. Convictions range from three months to three years direct imprisonment, or fines of R6 000 up to R20 000. This comes after the spokesperson for the KZN Police provincial commissioner, Constable Thenjiswa Ngcobo, confirmed that across the province police arrested almost 11 000 suspects. Ngcobo assured that police operations in crime hotspots are ongoing, aiming to curb the number of crimes committed. 'During the current school recess, police will maintain high visibility as holidaymakers descend on KZN,' said Ngcobo. Amanzimtoti police communications officer, Captain Charlene van der Spuy, appealed to the community to assist detectives with information that can lead to arrests, and later conviction of suspects. She said, 'We work hand-in-hand with security companies, CPFs and neighbourhood watch groups, looking at a proactive approach in combating crime. This ongoing relationship continues to isolate criminals and create a safe, secure Amanzimtoti.' If you have information that can assist in solving crimes, you are requested to contact your local police station, Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or utilise the My SAPS mobile app to give tip-offs. Any information received will be regarded as privileged and confidential. KZN arrest statistics for June: 3 278 for contact crimes, of which 1 559 were for assault GBH and 197 for murder. 207 for rape, 19 for sexual offences. 229 for unlawful possession of dangerous weapons. 702 for common assault. 371 for malicious damage to property. 372 for shoplifting. 1 856 for drug-related crimes. 554 for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. 869 undocumented persons. For more South Coast Sun news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok. Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter and get news delivered straight to your inbox. Do you have more information pertaining to this story? Feel free to let us know by commenting on our Facebook page or you can contact our newsroom on 031 903 2341 and speak to a journalist. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
01-07-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
Are CPFs making a real impact in fighting crime?
THE role of community police forums (CPFs) can be viewed as essential as crime rates across the country remain alarmingly high. CPFs were established to involve local stakeholders in the fight against and prevention of crime in their respective policing areas. According to the SAPS, these forums meet regularly with the police officers in charge of CPFs in their local police stations to discuss crime-related issues and to find solutions. The question of the effectiveness of CPFs in crime prevention and fighting has been raised across the board, in particular, whether these forums are adequately trained and sufficiently supported and resourced in order to carry out their mandate. Also read: Police seize counterfeit alcohol worth R250 000 In response to a parliamentary question to the minister of police in April this year, it was indicated that the SAPS supports and directly provides assistance to CPFs and community patrollers by providing resources, and procedural guidelines 'that are designed to improve the safety of CPF members and community patrollers while deployed in support of the SAPS'. The response further stated that in the 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 financial years, the SAPS budgeted R140m for 'CPFs to procure vehicles, physical equipment and information technology to support their functioning'. Additionally, it was said in the parliamentary response that the SAPS, working with provincial governments, is looking into possibly setting up Community Patrol Control Centres 'which will receive and co-ordinate urgent notifications from community patrollers' who work under CPFs 'as the eyes and ears of the SAPS'. Also read: Westville CPF calls for greater community involvement Here is what to know about community patrollers: Community Patrollers are trained by their local community policing officer (CPO) at each police station; They are expected to submit monthly reports to their CPFs on their activities, challenges and successes Community patrollers are prohibited from being in possession of a private firearm when performing their duties and may not be deployed with a firearm SAPS must accompany them on patrols They are trained to not engage armed criminals For more from Berea Mail, follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok. Click to subscribe to our newsletter – here At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
01-07-2025
- The Citizen
Are CPFs equipped to tackle crime?
THE role of community police forums (CPFs) can be viewed as essential as crime rates across the country remain alarmingly high. CPFs were established to involve local stakeholders in the fight against and prevention of crime in their respective policing areas. According to the SAPS, these forums meet regularly with the police officers in charge of CPFs in their local police stations to discuss crime-related issues and to find solutions. The question of the effectiveness of CPFs in crime prevention and fighting has been raised across the board, in particular, whether these forums are adequately trained and sufficiently supported and resourced in order to carry out their mandate. Also read: Police seize counterfeit alcohol worth R250 000 In response to a parliamentary question to the minister of police in April this year, it was indicated that the SAPS supports and directly provides assistance to CPFs and community patrollers by providing resources, and procedural guidelines 'that are designed to improve the safety of CPF members and community patrollers while deployed in support of the SAPS'. The response further stated that in the 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 financial years, the SAPS budgeted R140m for 'CPFs to procure vehicles, physical equipment and information technology to support their functioning'. Additionally, it was said in the parliamentary response that the SAPS, working with provincial governments, is looking into possibly setting up Community Patrol Control Centres 'which will receive and co-ordinate urgent notifications from community patrollers' who work under CPFs 'as the eyes and ears of the SAPS'. Also read: Westville CPF calls for greater community involvement Here is what to know about community patrollers: Community Patrollers are trained by their local community policing officer (CPO) at each police station; They are expected to submit monthly reports to their CPFs on their activities, challenges and successes Community patrollers are prohibited from being in possession of a private firearm when performing their duties and may not be deployed with a firearm SAPS must accompany them on patrols They are trained to not engage armed criminals For more from Northglen News, follow us on Facebook , X or Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok. Click to subscribe to our newsletter – here At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
