Newcastle CPF stands strong amid leadership changes
The Newcastle Community Policing Forum (CPF) has undergone significant changes but Public Relations Officer, Sandile Mdluli, is adamant that the organisation 'remains stronger than ever.'
In an exclusive interview with the Newcastle Advertiser, Mdluli outlined the CPF’s objectives, responsibilities, and future plans.
The CPF’s primary goal is to improve collaboration between the community and the South African Police Service (SAPS).
According to Mdluli, many residents have voiced concerns about a lack of assistance from SAPS, and the CPF exists to bridge that gap and hold law enforcement accountable.
“Our role is to ensure that SAPS responds to complaints, and if they do not, we take these concerns directly to meetings with the station commander,” he explained.
Beyond acting as a liaison, the CPF plays a hands-on role in community safety.
Members serve as the eyes and ears of the community and assist at crime scenes when needed. If they arrive before SAPS, it is their responsibility to secure the area until officers take over.
Recent leadership changes have not hindered the CPF’s operations.
Following legal proceedings that led to the suspension of the former chairman pending the outcome of a criminal trial, the CPF took time to regroup and restructure. Despite these challenges, the structure remained intact.
“The circumstances forced us to pull together and support each other even more,” Mdluli said.
With all vacant positions now filled, Shockat Akram has been appointed interim chairman. Mdluli remains optimistic about the CPF’s continued dedication to community safety.
“We have proven that we can overcome obstacles meant to shake us,” he added.
So who are the new executive members?
- Shokat Akram: Chairman
- Belinda Ellor: Deputy Chairman CPF Station Exe
- Sandile Mdluli: PRO CPF Station Exec
- Amishka Mewa: Deputy Secretary
- Talha Randeree: Secretary
- Avinash Nandkoomar: Treasurer
Additional Members: Jan van Rensburg, Shaukat khan, Aasiya Bhigjee, Johnny, Ally Hoosen, Mohamed Docrat, Mohamed Zakaria, Brian Carolus, Fanie Nkanbule, Thabo Mbatha, Khulekani Dludla, Mkosi Mthembu and Mr Mkhonza.
Looking ahead, the CPF is planning more community awareness drives to educate the public on its role.
The organisation is also engaging with the Youth Desk to encourage young people to get involved.
Additionally, Mdluli emphasised that the CPF is not just about policing—it also has a disaster management team that assists during natural disasters, including floods and search-and-rescue operations.
“The CPF remains committed to fostering a safer community, ensuring that both SAPS and residents work together toward a common goal,” he concluded.
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