THE Montclair Community Policing Forum gathered for its AGM at the Traybang Memorial Hall, Kenyon Howden Road, on April 29. The event served as a crucial time for key stakeholders, various sub-forums and community members to come together, to reflect on their collective progress and reinforce their collaborative efforts in addressing crime within the area.

Also read: Montclair youth to help fight crime

Hazel Francis, the CPF’s public relations officer, said that the meeting drew a significant turnout, with numerous structures well represented. The newly appointed station commander, Colonel Riëtte Kitching, took the floor, presenting the station’s comprehensive report. Her presentation detailed the crime statistics and highlighted the operational strides made over the preceding two financial years.

Crime stats in Ward 64

Kitching shared further details, reporting an overall 17% reduction across the 17 categories of community crime that they actively monitored. She did, however, point out increases in specific areas, namely murder, sexual offences, and common assault. The decrease in property-related crimes, she suggested, stemmed from enhanced visibility and stronger collaboration among law enforcement agencies, security firms, and various community structures.

Chairperson’s address

Following this, Pastor Desmond James, chairperson of the Montclair CPF, shared his report.

“He spoke of assuming leadership during a particularly difficult time, a period that demanded a focused effort to re-establish fundamental structures, to ensure the integrity of their governance, and crucially, to rebuild a sense of trust among the SAPS, the CPF, and the wider community,” said James. 

Success in the past year

Despite these initial hurdles, James emphasised that the CPF had, in fact, achieved considerable progress across several areas. He pointed to advancements in their governance, the development of their operational frameworks, a noticeable improvement in engaging with stakeholders, and a growth in initiatives driven directly by the community. 

Also read: Chinatown Crime Watch acknowledges service providers

The various sub-forums were singled out for their essential role, often described as the practical foundation of the CPF’s operations. The Yellowwood Park and Woodhaven Sub-Forum conducted its joint snake patrols, alongside the SAPS and private security firms.

A notable surge in patrol visibility has been observed, a direct result of combined operations that brought together the SAPS, the CPF, Metro Police, the various sub-forums, private security services and local neighbourhood watches. In Montwood, targeted engagements held at Chandler Crescent, Bale Avenue and Stanbridge Crescent in September 2025 enabled direct interaction with residents, allowing safety concerns to be addressed while rebuilding trust within the area.

The CPF’s Youth Desk also received a commendation for organisation a successful Youth Day soccer and netball tournament, fully sponsored through stakeholder engagements and leadership efforts.

James took a moment to express his gratitude to a number of crucial contributors. His thanks extended to the leadership of SAPS Montclair, Stanley Malunga representing Community Safety and Liaison, Ward 64 councillor Norman Gilbert, the Metro Police, the leaders of both the sub-forums and the Youth Desk, and the private security companies, all of whom consistently offered their support in ensuring the safety of the community.

Work with the CPF

Gilbert addressed the residents, urging them to maintain their close working relationship with the CPF. 

The AGM highlighted the necessity of the CPF’s work within the community.

For more Southlands Sun news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.
Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter and get news delivered straight to your inbox.