Somerset West Community Policing Forum (CPF) finally has new leadership after six months without an executive committee.

Ellen Esau, who previously served as neighbourhood watch coordinator, has been elected as the forum’s new chairperson, with Anthony Beer stepping into the role of deputy chairperson.

Other committee members include Tony van Minnen (treasurer), Erna Wentzel (secretary), Louisa Lourens (deputy secretary), Dominic Eiman (project coordinator) and George Kruger (PRO).

The election was held during a meeting at Somerset West Police Station last Wednesday (5 August), following the collapse of the previous leadership structure (“New CPF exco needed,” DistrictMail & Helderberg Gazette, 25 February).

A new executive committee for the Somerset West Community Policing Forum (CPFThe previous leaders of the Somerset West CPF was elected during the forum’s annual general meeting in November 2024. The committee was led by former chairperson Dane Thomas (“Somerset West CPF welcomes new executive committee,” 4 December 2024).

However, less than two years into their five-year term, Thomas resigned in January this year, citing overwhelming time demands from juggling church, business and family responsibilities alongside extensive CPF commitments. His decision came after two other executive committee members had already been suspended for being unable to attend meetings.

This led to a call for residents of the Somerset West police precinct, aged 18 and older, to apply for a new CPF.

Van Minnen is the only member from the previous executive committee to continue serving on the leadership structure.

Somerset West police station commander Colonel Jacolize Fleischmann expressed her gratitude to the new CPF leadership and wished them well during their tenure. “The team brings a wealth of experience and they are looking forward to serving the broader community,” she said.