Randfontein Community Policing Forum (CPF) chairperson Ruan Sheppard is stepping down to contest the upcoming municipal elections as a candidate for Ward 4.

Sheppard began his CPF journey as a patroller before taking on the role of chairperson. During his four-year tenure, the organisation expanded its capabilities to include trained first-aid responders and firefighters while strengthening co-operation with SAPS, security companies, the municipality and other community organisations.

He said building trust with residents was among the CPF’s biggest achievements, with community members increasingly reporting crime and seeking assistance during emergencies.

Sheppard identified infrastructure theft and vandalism, substance abuse and the under-reporting of crime as key concerns facing Randfontein.

His move into local government was influenced by his CPF experience, which exposed him to wider community issues, including electricity, water, roads, sewerage, streetlights and illegal dumping.

If elected, Sheppard said his priorities would include improving basic service delivery and infrastructure, creating safer communities, and strengthening accountability and communication with residents.

He stressed that the CPF must remain politically independent and said stepping down was important to protect the organisation’s credibility and community trust.