TAKING a look back at 2025, Community Policing Forums (CPFs) have shared some of the struggles and prospects as they forge ahead in the fight against crime to keep their communities safer.

The chairperson of the North Beach CPF, Mahomed ‘Giga’ Essa, shared, “I speak not just as North Beach CPF chairperson, but as someone who lives, breathes and protects North Beach every single day.

“This is my home and I will not allow it to be ruled by criminals. Crime here has been driven down to almost zero — not by luck, not by chance, but through zero tolerance, relentless action and a refusal to compromise.”

Essa praised the executive members of the forum for their unwavering dedication and tireless work.
“Your leadership, vision and courage have been instrumental in creating a safer community and ensuring that every strategy we implement delivers real results. North Beach was once seen as exposed, vulnerable and chaotic. That story ends here. Every street, every building, every corner is defended,” he said.

“The North Beach CPF, SAPS, Metro Police, private security, businesses, building management and residents operate as one unstoppable force. Criminals feel it the moment they enter, there is nowhere to hide, no safe passage, no quiet corners.

“Looking to 2026, we are not pausing. We are escalating. Sharper strategies, proactive interventions and targeted awareness campaigns are rolling out to ensure North Beach remains permanently secure. Safety here is not seasonal, it is constant and enforced,” Essa concluded.

Also read: Are CPFs making a real impact in fighting crime?

The leadership of Lower Morningside CPF admits that the sentiments are low, given the latest expose on police corruption and compromised judiciary.

“The 2025 positives are few. However, the new station commander of Durban Central SAPS, Brigadier Trevor Small, has held his first imbizo with the Lower Morningside community and has proposed some workable solutions to various concerns.

“The CPF as a forum liaising with the SAPS continues to face challenges to long outstanding problems that have plagued the area, such as drug houses, prostitution, unacceptable high noise levels from nearby nightclubs and concerts, phone snatching, minor burglary, hijacked buildings, drug addicts harassing residents, and homelessness.

Also read: Youth in efforts to fight ‘stubborn’ drugs, prostitution in Point

“During these trying times residents have been super vigilant working closely with private security companies to alert them of any misdemeanors in the area, thereby keeping Morningside safer,” shared the CPF’s Gary Manth’e and Annil Moodley.

“We pray that the provincial teams will follow the proactive approach of the Gauteng counterparts in addressing some of the issues affecting us. Together with law enforcement and other stakeholders, they have been hard at work tackling hijacked buildings, and known drug houses in ‘the city of gold’ and surroundings. Fingers crossed, in 2026 residents in Morningside will get to see similar action in the area.”
The Lower Morningside CPF hopes to work together more with SAPS and Durban Metro police to get rid of criminals and criminal activities.

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