An evaluation of the effectiveness of community policing forums in the Makhwibidung Village under Greater Tzaneen Municipality in Limpopo

Abstract

Community Policing Forum is a forum established in terms of section 19(1) of the SAPS Act 68 of 1995 aimed at ensuring police accountability, transparency and effectiveness in the community. It was aimed at bridging the gap between the police and the community at large and builds a harmonious relationship between them. This study was aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of Community Policing Forums (CPF) in reducing crime in Makhwibidung village. Using structured and non-structured questionnaires, a total of 40 participants consisting of three groups, namely SAPS, CPF committee and residents, were conveniently selected to provide their knowledge of CPF in the above mentioned village. The findings revealed, by majority (82.50%) of respondents, identified lack of resources as the main challenge against the functioning of CPF, whilst 55% of 40 respondents pointed out poor relationship between the police and the community among other things. These challenges may therefore lead to the downfall of CPF, and thus showing that CPF still needs full support not only from the residents but from the provincial and national government. However, beside the challenges, the community and the police still manage to work jointly to fight against crime in their area as it is mandated by the Interim Constitution of 1993 that CPF must be established in each and every police station so that together they can fight crime. KEYWORDS: Policing. Effectiveness. Crime Prevention. Community Policing Forum. Community