The resignation of Somerset West Community Policing Forum’s (CPF) executive committee has prompted police to recruit new leadership for the precinct’s forum.
Less than two years into his five-year term, former CPF chairperson Dane Thomas resigned in January.
“I had to sit down and see what was priority in my life at this moment,” Thomas explains. “I needed to cut some things. Unfortunately, one of those things was the CPF.”
When Thomas was elected chairperson in November 2024, he hoped to bring faith back to the CPF, having served as chairperson of the station’s spiritual crime prevention forum.
The 38-year-old pastor was elected with deputy Christiaan Loots and executive members including Tony van Minnen, Jo Swart and Madelein Andrews. However, two members were later suspended as they were not being able to attend meetings, and with Thomas’ resignation, a new executive must be elected.
Thomas explains that he realised the CPF required significant time for multiple meetings and extensive administration.
“The reality is there are so many admin tasks and meetings that come with this role.
“You spend more time on that than actually getting out there in the community to do something good,” he added.
No dispute
Thomas was juggling church, running a business, family responsibilities and CPF meetings that became overwhelming. He notes he has choosen now to resign as he will not be in Somerset West as frequently due to church obligations.
He made it clear there was no dispute, merely incompatibility, and reflects fondly on his tenure.
“My biggest achievement was to get the neighbourhood watches working alongside the CPF again,” he points out.
He thanked Somerset West police station commander Colonel Jacolize Fleischmann for her support, adding that he would still support CPF projects in a private capacity.
Marlon Solomons, chairperson of Khayelitsha Sub-district CPF, said Thomas’ resignation is unfortunate but a new executive must be elected for the precinct to function properly.
Dedication of time
Fleischmann thanked the outgoing CPF team and looks forward to the next executive building stronger community partnerships.
The Somerset West situation reflects a broader trend facing CPFs nationwide, according to National CPF chairperson Fransina Lukas.
“The situation at Somerset West is not unique, with vacancies and resignations occurring at other precincts,” Lukas says.
She noted that members are expected to dedicate anything from five hours to 50 hours a month, including monthly meetings, public meetings every second month, and additional meetings based on crime trends.
“When dealing with safety and security, meetings may arise due to circumstances and those meetings may be at short notice,” she explains.
Lukas says there was nothing untoward about the resignations as it was mainly due to work commitments and members being outside the province or country.
“We commend Thomas for his work while part of the CPF,” Lukas adds.
Looking ahead, she says the perfect CPF chairperson candidate would be someone committed to serving Somerset West for no recognition or reward.
“If you are committed to improving your community and making a change, then time commitment means nothing as the true reward to community work is seeing a change,” she says.
To join the CPF, you must be a Somerset West resident, aged 18 and older, be open to security vetting, and possess the desire to improve community safety. Application forms are available at Somerset West Police Station.
For enquiries, call Genevieve Ramjee on 021 850 1318.
