Sitha Maliwa
A recent security cluster Imbizo at the Cambridge Town Hall has sparked important conversations about the future of community policing forums in the Buffalo City Municipality Metro (BCMM). The forum was addressed by Thembinkosi Ndude, the regional commander for law enforcement, who emphasised the need for government regulation and support to ensure that these community patrol groups are compliant with the law.
The Imbizo, organised by security tycoon and socialite Mlindelwa “ManB” Tyekana, aimed to educate community patrollers about the legal boundaries of crime fighting. The event, held in partnership with BCMM’s law enforcement wing, the Department of Social Development, and the Community Policing Forum of the Eastern Cape, drew attention to the complexities of crime prevention efforts at the local level.
Ndude acknowledged the contributions made by community policing forums, particularly in high-risk areas like Duncan Village, Reeston, and Mdantsane. However, he pointed out that a lack of government support and oversight was leading to problems, such as excessive use of force by some forum members.
“We have no problem with the forums, they’ve done a great job, but they need to operate within the law,” Ndude said. He called for the government to provide funding and training, ensuring that community patrols are better equipped to handle crime in ways that are effective, lawful, and safe for all involved.
Unregulated actions, such as physical abuse and, in some cases, even fatalities, have raised concerns about the ethics of community policing forums. Ndude stressed that for these forums to continue being assets to their communities, there is a need for regulation and government oversight.
Tyekana emphasised that crime-fighting efforts should go beyond simply apprehending criminals. He pointed out that many forum members often focus on punitive measures, such as beating suspects, without addressing the underlying social issues that drive crime. Tyekana suggested that community forums should collaborate with social workers to provide rehabilitative support to young offenders, tackling the root causes of crime like family neglect and poor living conditions.
“Do the forums return to these suspects’ homes to understand their background? It’s pointless to beat them to a pulp, only for them to return to crime after being discharged from the hospital,” Tyekana said. His remarks underline the importance of a holistic approach, where rehabilitation and social services play a key role alongside crime prevention.
One of the most significant issues discussed during the Imbizo was the unregulated membership of some community forums. Tyekana warned that the lack of vetting procedures allows ex-convicts to join forums, potentially undermining the integrity of the groups. These individuals could continue engaging in criminal activities while posing as crime fighters.
Some forum members have even been accused of taking stolen goods from criminals, further tarnishing the reputation of community policing efforts. Tyekana proposed that government resources, such as the R350 unemployment grants, be redirected to build rehabilitation centres for young offenders to prevent them from re-offending and reduce the need for forums to take law enforcement into their own hands.
Mzimasi Bhebheza, the DSD’s Restoration Manager, agreed that social workers must play a more active role in crime prevention. He noted that many young offenders are influenced by neglectful parents and older criminals. The DSD’s involvement would ensure that young people receive the necessary rehabilitation and guidance to break the cycle of crime.
“Parents sometimes don’t pay attention to children’s needs, and that’s when they get lured into crime,” Bhebheza explained. By working alongside community forums, social workers can intervene early and ensure that at-risk youth receive the support they need.
The Imbizo highlighted the importance of collaboration between community patrols, law enforcement, and social services. Phila Meyeliseli, a leader from the Duncan Village B Hostel forum, raised concerns about police support. He argued that when forum members confront armed criminals, they should not be left without backup or guidance from law enforcement.
The discussion underscored the need for a balanced approach to crime prevention—one that integrates community involvement, legal oversight, and social support. Government regulation, proper training, and adequate funding will help ensure that community policing forums can be both effective and compliant with the law. – @NewsSA_Online