Misunderstandings at Milnerton CPF

Glenda Pontes, Milnerton

Thank you, Tabletalk, for reporting on the article regarding the Milnerton CPF special meeting with the insight and truth it deserves ("Tensions flare at Milnerton CPF election meeting," Wednesday, October 29, TableTalk).

As a previous acting chairperson of the Milnerton Central Neighbourhood Watch (MCNW) and after working closely with Mariel Davila-Buys on administrative matters, I would like to bring the following to your attention, as I feel that Ms Davila-Buys has been wrongfully accused of deliberately withholding pertinent information. 

This is not only untrue but is a character assassination. 

It is untrue that police oversight and community safety spokesperson, Fagrodien Johnson, only found out about her Argentinian passport two months ago.

She has all the proof of documents signed by him in November 2024, when she was appointed.

At no time, when she was nominated and officially appointed, was she made aware of the prerequisite of citizenship to serve on the CPF.

She was accepted based on her full disclosure of submitting her full name with her Argentinian ID.

So, to accuse her of being non-compliant ten months into the position is illegal.

She has been married to a South African citizen for over 20 years and holds permanent residency. 

Her expertise in the field of dealing with crime should have been seen as an asset, not a threat.

I feel that she has been blindsided, and it's business as usual for the new CPF exco.

She did not resign; she was informed that she had been administratively removed.

This, I feel, is a vendetta against her for uncovering crimes, corruption, and wrongdoings that place the Milnerton community at risk.

The positions within the CPF are voluntary ones, and Ms Davila-Buys has dedicated her time and placed her life on the line to bring justice to this community, which she serves.

We are grateful to her. Where is the justice in being unfairly dismissed with no handover or any gratitude for her service? We need to treat people with the respect and fairness they deserve; maybe then, more residents would volunteer their time to community organizations.

When contacted by Tabletalk for comment on the letter, Mr Johnson declined to respond to the allegations, saying he had been advised by his head of department not to comment on matters involving Ms. Davila-Buys.