The SAPS and members of the local Community Policing Forum (CPF) in the Benoni area intimidated AfriForum neighbourhood watch members during the past few months and threatened to arrest neighbourhood watch members who are patrolling the area.
The SAPS and CPF’s actions in this regard are unlawful, however, as these do not comply with the Police Act (Act No. 26 of 1995) and other relevant legislation. Section 18(2) of the Police Act stipulates that the SAPS can also work with any other body as well as the CPF to ensure the safety of the community, among other. Furthermore, there is no legislation that prohibits patrols.
After corresponding with the SAPS on numerous occasions to state AfriForum’s viewpoints and after various requests to have a meeting to discuss the situation were ignored, AfriForum was compelled to approach an advocate for a legal opinion on the matter. The SAPS was notified of the stated opinion, but they never responded to the context thereof.
“AfriForum’s neighbourhood watches act within the framework of the law and regularly receive training in this regard. AfriForum members cannot be deprived of their right to secure their communities. If the authorities do indeed continue to unlawfully arrest AfriForum neighbourhood watch members because they take part in patrols, AfriForum will not hesitate to use the relevant forums to obtain legal assistance and cost orders,” says Hillel Coetzer, AfriForum’s Regional Head of Safety in Gauteng, Limpopo and Mpumalanga.
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