Community rejects new eMbalenhle CPF executive

eMBALENHLE – Concerned residents are calling on police authorities to disband the recently elected executive of the Community Policing Forum (CPF).

They alleged that the election of the executive was illegal and that standard procedure was not followed.

The residents blame Col Maria Sibanyoni of eMbalenhle Police Station, for allegedly ignoring the law and trying to push her own agenda.

The residents said the newly nominated executive was elected in a bogus meeting which was not announced to the community.

They added that the regulation requires that the nomination of the CPF executive be advertised in the local media or a public notice be made to invite residents.

However, they claimed that Col Sibanyoni did not follow the procedure, instead, only a few selected individuals were informed about the meeting.

It is further alleged that regulation requires an election meeting to be held in a neutral place and to be facilitated by a neutral person.

Upon learning that the meeting was underway, they advised Col Sibanyoni not to continue with the meeting, however, she continued.

They alleged that she told them that she is a station commander and that she has the right to do as she pleases.

It is alleged that her behaviour during the meeting was not that of a leader.

Mr Jeffrey Mahlangu, resident, said it is alarming that Col Sibanyoni did not want to take any advise, but insisted that the election continue without proper procedure being followed.

“Where is the nomination list and where did it come from?

“To our surprise the previous executive was re-elected.

“Why does Col Sibanyoni insist that the previous executive retain their positions?

“Are they protecting her from something? We need clarity.

“Their term of office ended in 2017 and it is only this year that elections are being held again, why did it take so long?

“We tried so hard to convince her to adjourn the meeting, however, she refused.”

The concerned residents said the elected people allegedly failed the community during their previous term.

They asked why the executive were again elected after not giving a report to the community about the previous term in office.

“As we speak, crime is on the rise in eMbalenhle.

This is because there is a gap between the police and the community.

The CPF is designed to bridge that gap, however, they have failed dismally.”

Mr Mahlangu said they have taken the matter to Brig Sifiso Cele, cluster commander, and he referred them back to Col Sibanyoni.

He said they made several attempts to meet with the station commander without any luck.

Mr Mahlangu confirmed that they have scheduled a meeting with her for this week and warned that if they do not find mutual ground on the issue, they will take it to the streets.

“We will protest until the National Commander, Bheki Cele comes to address us.”

Brig Cele confirmed that he received complaints about the matter, however, Col Sibanyoni told him that she followed the correct procedure.

“It is her responsibility to deal with CPF matters and she told me that there was no wrong done.

“Just a few individuals who were not happy and they want to politicise the matter.

“We normally do not advertise the CPF meeting, however, the sector manager invited people from their various sectors.

“There is no way we can disband the structure, because there are no compelling reason to do so.

“Those who wish to be part of the CPF, must join the elected structure,” Brig Cele concluded.

The eMbalenhle Police Station refused to comment on the matter.