When the current Community Policing Forum (CPF) was elected last year, some residents were dissatisfied with the appointments. As a result, the structure was designated as interim, meant to serve for no more than 90 days as prescribed by its constitution.

Now, more than three months later, the interim structure continues to serve beyond its constitutional mandate, according to Ziyakhala chair of chairs, Dumisani Nkosi. He explained that the term began in November last year, but to date no election date has been announced.

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Initially, residents expected the date to be announced earlier this year. However, CPF interim spokesperson Chris Mabunda argued that December was not counted in the three-month period, meaning their term would only expire somewhere between February and March. Yet March has passed, and now April has arrived, with the community still waiting for clarity on elections.

“We have a lot of questions relating to the CPF. Ninety days have elapsed. They started in November, then December, January, and February. Their time has expired, and instead of telling the community about a new election date, nothing is happening,” Nkosi said.

He stressed that the constitution, which he believes is being clearly disregarded in dealing with the matter, did not start with the Alexandra CPF. “It comes from the national structures. They gave us a document meant to guide people, but they are doing the opposite.”

The delay has frustrated not only Alexandra residents but also some members within the interim CPF, who have been waiting since March for the new date of elections.

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SA Jobseekers’ spokesperson, Mthokozisi Khambule, said they previously called for the dissolution of the former CPF due to a lack of accountability and reporting, yet the station commander continued with the structure.

He believes the same issue persists now. “Their time lapsed a month ago, and they were supposed to hold another Annual General Meeting, but the station commander is saying we have a CPF.”

Khambule felt that by recognising the current CPF, the police are misleading the community daily.

However, Alexandra Police Station commander Brigadier Vusimuzi Ngubane remains hopeful that a new structure will soon be elected. He previously stated that the matter would be handled by the province, which would announce a date.

He is convinced that as of this month, the date might be announced.

“We will start afresh, we must move forward so that there will be a new structure. We must work together,” he said.

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