Perspectives on Community Policing Forum in Rural Areas of Limpopo Province, South Africa

Sylvia Sivongile Makondo, Jacob Tseko Mofokeng, Dorcas Khosa

Tshwane University of Technology, South Africa

Abstract:

This study critically analysed the implementation of the Community Policing Forums (CPFs) and operational practices of the South African Police Service (SAPS) officials in the rural area of Malamulele and Saselamani policing area, Limpopo Province. A random sample of five out of 10 sectors of Malamulele and Saselamani policing areas was drawn; 560 questionnaires were distributed and 477 were completed for analysis. The findings indicated that most of the respondents from the community answered in the negative to statements, thus indicating that the CPF concept was more popular with the local police than with the community members. The findings also indicated that although the local police have implemented CPFs in the Malamulele as well as Saselamani policing areas, these forums were dysfunctional as highlighted by significant levels of disagreement between the local police and the community members. No evidence suggests any initial effort by the local police to solicit community support for a CPF. From the findings, the local police seemed to believe that they practice community policing to some degree because they were directed by their standard operating procedure to make contact with the communities during their routine performance of duties. However, due to the significant level of disagreement between the respondents, it was clear that public awareness and better communication with the community at large is essential.

Keyword:

Crime ,partnership ,Policing ,Perception ,Rural