SAPS responds to resignation by Bedfordview CPF executive committee

The unexpected resignation of the Bedfordview CPF (BCPF) executive committee shocked many, including Bedfordview SAPS station commander Colonel Wellington Mathiane.

On February 23, the executive chairperson of the Community Police Board in Ekurhuleni, Dr Mikail Reza Patel, issued a statement announcing that the board had accepted the resignation of the BCPF’s committee.

The former BCPF committee cited ongoing challenges with the SAPS and CPF structures for calling it quits, saying these challenges had severely impacted its ability to effectively serve the community.

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The committee highlighted the challenges behind the resignation, “Since the departure of Colonel Sinothi Ndaba, the BCPF has experienced a complete breakdown in communication with the Bedfordview SAPS.”

They allege a lack of direct engagement with the new station commander since last May.

SAPS personnel took over the CPF and Victim Empowerment spaces, and there were instances of SAPS members requesting bribes (like food and drinks) when people sought help.

The community complained about poor service from the Community Service Centre and a lack of support from the station commander and higher CPF bodies.

Because of long response times, CPF members wait up to four hours for SAPS. The SAPS refuses to help CPF members attacked by criminals when on duty for the CPF or share crime statistics with the CPF despite repeated requests.

Requests for patroller and member training go unfulfilled.

“Escalated issues with the SAPS Bedfordview have been ignored, with no intervention.

“The Bedfordview CPF is often overlooked for resources due to the perception that it is a ‘wealthy’ area,” said the former executive committee.

Adding to their grievances is the alleged mismanagement of the School Patroller Programme, with patrollers working long hours for minimal stipends, inadequate protection and delayed payments.

“Concerns about irregular patroller placements for the School Patroller Programme have been ignored. Since last June, no police clearance reports have been received for any members, rendering them all unvetted and non-compliant.

“Two individuals have persistently undermined the CPF executive, bypassing the chain of command and lodging baseless complaints with authorities.

“Despite being cleared of allegations, the executive continued to face harassment, with no support from the CPF structures,” they shared.

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“The Bedfordview CPF executive has worked tirelessly to enhance the CPF operations, ensure compliance and improve community safety.

“Despite these efforts, insurmountable challenges beyond their control have made it impossible to continue.

“We have done everything to build a functional and effective CPF, but a lack of support, interference and systemic failures have made it impossible for us to carry out our mandate,” the executive stated.

As they stepped down, they wished the future leadership well and urged authorities to address these pressing issues to restore trust and efficiency in community policing.

The Bedfordview SAPS responds

Bedfordview SAPS station commander Colonel Wellington Mathiane who took office last May, was surprised by the sudden resignation, saying the departing executive did not give the station reasons for the decision.

“I was also shocked because their statement didn’t state the reasons for their departure. They wrote a letter of resignation to the provincial board. I don’t know why I was never engaged before,” he said.

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He said on February 24, they were invited to a meeting to discuss their reasons for leaving and possible solutions, but none of the resigned members attended.

An interim structure was established to ensure continued CPF functionality following the resignation.

“The provincial district board chairperson, Dr Patel, and the task team worked with me to establish an interim structure, and it’s up and running,” Mathiane stated.

The interim CPF will remain in place until the AGM in April or May.

Mathiane reiterated his commitment to collaborating with the community on crime prevention.

“I’m here to work and to serve the community. My mandate is to serve and protect. As long as the CPF members are available and engage with us, we will have no problems. I want people who will be my eyes and ears in the community, liaising between the public and my office,” he stated.

He emphasised that while some crimes, like commercial fraud, kidnappings and domestic violence, are difficult to police, community involvement and awareness campaigns are vital to crime prevention.

Despite the challenges posed by the CPF resignation, Mathiane assured the public that the Bedfordview SAPS would continue working closely with security companies and other stakeholders.

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“I met with security companies, and we are on good terms. Even during the CPF structure’s resignation, we continued working together,” he said.

The SAPS has also maintained a working relationship with the CPF co-ordinator, who did not resign.

Responding to the allegations of a communication breakdown between the station and the former BCPF committee, he said, “The chairperson, secretary and PRO had my contact details. I phoned them when there were developments.

“They were supposed to hold meetings monthly and attend executive meetings, but some meetings were missed,” he explained.

He stressed that his office maintains an open-door policy and that communication channels are open to all CPF members and community members.

“I want the community to feel safe. The SAPS will thoroughly investigate reported cases and bring perpetrators to book.

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I am here to work with the community and encourage them to engage with us,” he said.

He urged former CPF members to continue their crime prevention efforts, stating that their contributions were valued despite their resignation.

“Even in the future, if they are available, they are welcome to come and serve. If they are in good standing, they can still participate.”