The Lwandle Community Policing Forum (CPF) elected new leadership to tackle the plummeting trust between residents and police.
Chwayita Bhuqa was elected chairperson alongside her deputy Thembinkosi Mgculo in August, after two decades serving in various positions in the forum.
They join Nwabisa Mpotulo (project coordinator), Eric Nqanqaru (treasurer), Yonela Khanyiwe (public relations officer) and Zoleka Toni (secretary) to round out the executive committee.
Bhuqa said the Lwandle CPF has identified the breakdown in trust between residents and police as its biggest challenge.
“Our role going forward is to restore trust so the community and police can work collectively in fighting crime in this area,” she said.
One of the main obstacles is severe under-resourcing at Lwandle Police Station, which affects police response times and visibility.
“Our primary job is to offer support to our police irrespective of limited resources, hence we appeal for the station to be resourced,” Bhuqa said.
She highlighted that policing informal settlement areas in the precinct is particularly challenging, as officers cannot access and patrol these areas with vehicles. This results in victims being unable to report crimes immediately, especially at night, and having to wait until the following day.
The Lwandle CPF has also engaged provincial police commissioner Lieutenant-General Sizakhele Dyantyi to prioritise the building of a new police station. “I am motivated by the love I have for my community and I believe I am the servant of the people,” Bhuqa said.
