Milnerton CPF meeting postponed for greater representation

Several community organisations joined Milnerton police staff and members of the Community Police Forum (CPF) for a “special general meeting” at the Milnerton police station on Tuesday, October 7.

The gathering was meant to include voting for vacant positions within the CPF — but the process was put on hold.

The meeting was postponed to Thursday, October 23, following a decision by attendees to allow more time for broader community participation.

The Sanddrift Residents’ Association (SRA) was unable to vote as its registration forms were not submitted to the station in time. 

Other civic representatives at the meeting included the Rugby West Neighbourhood Watch, Summer Greens Residents’ Association, Milnerton Central Ratepayers’ Association, Tijgerhof Ratepayers’ Association, Community Intervention Centre (CIC), Phoenix Ratepayers’ Association, and the Phoenix Neighbourhood Watch, a total of seven local structures.

However, Milnerton’s visible policing commander, Colonel Muneeb Afrika, raised concern about the limited representation, saying more community structures should be involved in deciding who sits on the CPF board.

“In my career, I have never attended a CPF meeting where only seven entities are present to decide the fate of the community. It’s not that I have anything against them, but this precinct covers a large area — churches, schools, and even the Department of Social Development should also be represented,” he said.

Responding to the concern, Pprovincial CPF board spokesperson and Brooklyn resident Justin Kumlehn, said: “With the utmost respect, Colonel, it is the police’s responsibility to ensure CPF membership. We know representation could be broader, but based on the organisations currently registered, there is around 50% representation.”

He suggested that if a proposal was made to postpone the proceedings, current CPF members and station commander Colonel Helena Mouton should step aside briefly to make that decision.

Colonel Afrika disagreed, and after a short adjournment, members returned and resolved to postpone the meeting. 

Acting CPF chairperson Linda Mqikela said the delay would give other community organisations in the area an opportunity to register and take part in the CPF board process.

“This is to ensure that all communities within the Milnerton policing precinct have a voice,” she said.