Kimberley: The Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Policing in the Northern Cape, Major General Johnny Besnaar, alongside five District Commissioners and senior managers from the Department of Transport, Safety, and Liaison, officiated the Provincial Community Police Board Annual General Meeting at the Kimberley SAPS Gymnasium.

According to South African Police Service, the event saw participation from various high-ranking officials, including the Provincial Head for Crime Registrar, Brigadier Samuel Mathe, and the Provincial Head for Corporate Communication and Liaison, Brigadier Mashay Gamieldien. Station Commanders, Social Crime Prevention Coordinators, and District CPF structures also attended the meeting.

The meeting commenced with an opening devotion by Bishop Fix Mofokeng from the Provincial Spiritual Crime Prevention structure. This was followed by a welcoming address from Mr. Thabiso Kedithibetse, the Provincial Interim Chairperson of the Provincial CPF Board. Colonel Maggie Ndzutha, the Provincial Commander of Partnership Policing, outlined the meeting’s purpose, reflecting on the status of the previous Interim Provincial CPF Board and detailing the recent elections of District CPF Executive committees.

Supportive messages were delivered by POPCRU Provincial Secretary, Mr. Mbabali Mkontwana, and Dr. Fatima Malo from the Provincial Spiritual Crime Prevention structure, emphasizing partnership policing and efforts to combat crime. Major General Besnaar highlighted the importance of police-community relations, transparency, accountability, and proactive strategies in policing.

Mr. Diekie Jasson from the Department of the Transport, Safety, and Liaison facilitated the election process for the new Provincial Community Police Board. The new board includes Chairperson Mr. Clement Baai, Deputy Chairperson Ms. Lusanda Mfaxa, and several other key members. Mr. Baai, in his maiden speech, emphasized mutual respect and support between SAPS and the Provincial CPF Board.

Brigadier Irene Kopeledi, the Provincial Head of Pro-Active Policing, expressed gratitude to all participants and congratulated the newly elected Executive. She highlighted the importance of partnership policing, focusing on respect, communication, and consultation. The AGM concluded with the handover of two vehicles to the Frances Baard District CPF and the Provincial Community Police Board structures by Major General Besnaar.