Sibabalo Mgijima, the newly appointed interim chairperson of the Alexandra Community Policing Forum (CPF), wants residents to see the CPF as a place they can actually turn to when their cases stall or they receive no updates.

With more than a decade of direct involvement in community work, including CPF activities and community patrols since 2012, Mgijima is determined to restore confidence in the structure by making it a dependable point of contact for residents.

“When a community member has a case, and they see it is not going forward, they must be able to come into the office of the CPF and ask for help.”

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He said that the CPF will be able to follow up on the case. This focus on being a reliable point of contact forms part of his strategy to ensure that residents are satisfied with the progress of their cases. “The cases must be followed through, and make sure that we find and pursue the person assigned to a case, so that there is justice.”

However, he noted that the CPF should not be seen as an adversary to the police, but rather as an intermediary that helps residents when the system feels unresponsive.

“People assume CPF structures exist to fight against the police. No,” Mgijima said, but clearly emphasising that that does not mean they should cosy up with the police either. He maintained that they exist to help the community and serve as watchdogs to the police, keeping a close eye on how they work.

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Furthermore, in the fight against crime, Mgijima believes more boots on the ground matter. He is convinced that mobilising to get more patrollers will give them a needed advantage to ensure community safety.

He said he plans to convene a meeting with committed community members, even outside the formal CPF ranks, who have previously helped address crime out of frustration with ongoing violence. “We involve everybody, even those who are just tired of crime,” he said.

He also acknowledged persistent obstacles that undermine efforts to end crime, noting that community members sometimes shield suspects. He recalled an incident in which he chased an armed young man and finally found him, but not the firearm. He said he only discovered later that an elderly woman had hidden the firearm.

Despite these challenges, his vision centres on strengthening the CPF’s role as a resident-friendly channel, serving as a go-to follow-up and support platform.

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