Calls are mounting for an investigation into the Umbilo SAPS Community Policing Forum (CPF) Special General Meeting (SGM) held on 23 July, with community stakeholders and residents raising concerns about the manner in which the meeting was conducted.
The Pigeon Valley Urban Improvement Precinct (UIP) and Glenwood resident Lauren Jacklin have submitted separate complaints to councillor Fran Kristopher, alleging procedural irregularities, inadequate notice and a lack of transparency.
In its submission, the UIP said it only became aware of the meeting after RSVP registrations had closed, limiting the participation of recognised community stakeholders. It also questioned how voting delegates were identified and verified and called for greater transparency in future CPF processes.
The UIP further expressed concern over allegations made against CPF chairperson Calvin Thomas during the meeting, saying no supporting evidence was presented and there was no impartial process to assess the claims. While stressing that it was not defending any individual, the UIP said its experience of working with Thomas over the past four years had been positive, describing him as ethical, transparent, collaborative and committed to improving community safety.
Meanwhile, Jacklin alleged the meeting breached the CPF constitution, citing concerns over the collection of attendees’ personal information, the executive’s decision to allow delegates to vote on procedural matters, and the failure to produce key meeting documents. She has called for the outcome of the meeting to be reviewed and for proper constitutional oversight to be enforced.
The concerns have been forwarded to the relevant authorities for consideration.
