Residents raise policing concerns at Cofimvaba crime meeting

Community leaders, police and government stakeholders have called for stronger cooperation to address crime and improve service delivery in Cofimvaba.

The engagement was held at the Cofimvaba Memorial Hall on Tuesday, 18 August 2026, bringing together representatives from SAPS, the Department of Community Safety, the Community Policing Forum, the National Prosecuting Authority, the Department of Social Development, Correctional Services, Vuyisile Mini Local Municipality and local faith leaders.

CPF chairperson Ms N Mqakanya said the engagement was necessary because of the area’s high crime rate. She called for an integrated response from government departments, policing structures and residents, while pledging the CPF’s commitment to fighting crime.

Cofimvaba SAPS Station Commander Lieutenant Colonel M.D. Mnyiphika identified substance abuse as a major contributing factor to crime, particularly domestic violence-related offences.

Residents also raised concerns about their relationship with local police, saying poor attitudes from some officers had contributed to a breakdown in trust.

However, community members acknowledged recent crime-fighting operations in the area. Mrs Bokwe commended the high-impact operations by the Komani Task Team and appealed for more interventions to sustain efforts against crime.

Mnyiphika responded to questions from residents and assured the community that service delivery would improve. He also shared his contact details, encouraging residents to report complaints and concerns about police conduct.

Joe Slovo councillor Mahlazo urged residents not to take the law into their own hands, particularly when concerns involve foreign nationals. She said Home Affairs and SAPS were the appropriate authorities to verify immigration documents.

She also raised concerns about taverns that do not comply with prescribed trading hours and called for stronger enforcement of regulations.

Community Safety District Manager Mr S. Sikwebu said communication and coordination between policing structures needed to be strengthened so that they could work more effectively together.

Vuyisile Mini Local Municipality representative Mr M. Ngulubele welcomed the engagement, describing it as insightful and calling for more sessions aimed at improving cooperation between communities, law enforcement and government departments.