THE Montclair Community Policing Forum (CPF) recently its AGM at 199 Kenyon Howden Road on August 13 where members elected a new executive committee (Exco).

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The exco is tasked with ensuring the community is safer and enhancing policing collaboration.

Hazel Francis, the recently elected PRO of the Montclair CPF Exco, said that according to its Constitution, elections need to be conducted at the AGM and are a special occasion for the community to map out the future.

“The CPF Exco is the mother body of the Montclair Community Policing Forum. It plays a vital role in bridging the gap between the community and the SAPS. The Exco is responsible for the day-to-day functioning of the CPF. In this area the Montclair CPF Exco has oversight over the Montwood Sub Forum, the Yellowwood Park and Woodhaven Sub Forum, the Clairwood Business Sub Forum and the Montclair Youth Desk. Its role is to ensure that the various sub forums are compliant with the CPF’s constitution,” said Francis.

Francis emphasised the role of the exco is primarily to have a properly managed CPF that can fulfil its facilitation role.

The committee

• Chairman: Pastor Desmond James
• Deputy chairman: Pastor Caleb Sookhoo
• Secretary: Nathi Mbata
• Deputy secretary: Thuladu Khumalo
• Treasurer: Ntuthuko Njapha
• PRO: Hazel Francis
• Additional member: Jacqueline Goncalves
• Additional member: Marius Venter
• Additional member: Shaffie Mahomed
• Additional member: Ayanda Njapha

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“We are going to increase day patrols in business forums and night patrols in residential sub forums, alongside Montclair police station, including stop and search, drug raids and alcohol enforcement. Hotspots such as Bale Avenue, Nagel Square and the student residence have been particularly targeted for intense management to render them safer for businesspeople and residents.

“The exco will also seek to grow volunteer forces, provide training and conduct community awareness exercises to build an efficient, motivated CPF team. They will also hold regular meetings with stakeholders, open public participation and maintain open communication regarding progress and problems,” said Francis.

She added that they encourage residents to connect via social medial and other avenues to help forge partnerships to create a safer community in Montclair.

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“We will bring the CPF back to its rightful place, fostering transparency, accountability and inclusivity. We can’t be blamed for errors in the past, but residents will notice the differences. Our intention is to function our sub forums well and aim to be one of the most efficiently operating CPFs in the eThekwini District,” said Franics.

With its new leadership and action plan, Montclair’s CPF looks to bridge the gap between the police and the community.

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