Table View CPF scoops top honours at provincial policing awards

The Table View Community Policing Forum (CPF) walked away with top honours at the Western Cape Provincial Community Police Board awards, earning first place for Best Partnership with Police.

The awards ceremony was held at the Fish Hoek Civic Centre on Saturday, 24 January, where community safety initiatives from across the province were recognised.

The Table View CPF was also honoured at the Western Cape Provincial Community Police Board Excellence Awards for the 2024/2025 period, receiving multiple awards for its work in community safety.

These included second place for Best Neighbourhood Watch or Community in Blue (CIB) Team Collaboration, first place for the Community Safety Innovation Award, second place for Best Use of Technology in Community Policing, and second place for Best Partnership with the South African Police Service (SAPS).

CPF chairperson David Harris was also recognised on an individual level after receiving first place for Outstanding Leadership in Community Policing.

The award acknowledged his commitment, integrity, and continued service to the Table View community.

Speaking to us Mr Harris said he was both excited and surprised by the recognition.

“I was really happy and did not expect it,” he said.

Mr Harris has been involved in crime-fighting initiatives in Table View for more than a decade.

He joined the neighbourhood watch in 2011 and became involved with the CPF in 2015.

He said it has been an honour to work alongside police officers and community members to help reduce crime in the area.

“Over the past ten years, the community has grown significantly, but as a collective, we have managed to bring crime numbers down. The role of the CPF is to ensure that the police and the community are working together to fight crime,” he said.

He said one of the biggest challenges remains encouraging greater community participation and urged residents to get involved in neighbourhood watch initiatives within their designated sectors.

“Residents can volunteer at any time of the day, and for however long they are able to. Doing your bit really makes a difference,” he said.

According to Mr Harris, a recent joint operation involving police and other crime-fighting structures resulted in the closure of a shebeen operating illegally in the area.

He also noted that crimes such as burglaries have decreased significantly, but encouraged residents to remain vigilant.

“People should secure their properties and avoid leaving valuables in plain sight, as this can attract criminals,” he said.

Despite limited resources, Mr Harris said cooperation between police, local authorities, non-governmental organisations and community structures has proven effective.

“Our aim is to create a safer and cleaner environment in Table View, and we are doing everything we can to work towards that goal,” he said.

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