Burglaries, daily armed robberies in both the CBD and suburbs, assaults, and rampant drug abuse—these are just a few of the crimes Newcastle residents face every day. The grim reality of crime has led security companies, crime-fighting organisations, and the Newcastle Community Policing Forum (CPF) to unite with the Newcastle SAPS to combat the rising threat. But this unity comes with a critical question: how closely is the local police monitoring these groups? And, more so, how does the Newcastle Police ensure that those working to prevent crime do not overstep their boundaries and become lawbreakers themselves?
These concerns have come to the forefront following allegations against CPF members and excessive force by other crime-fighting organisations.
In light of these claims, Newcastillian News reached out to Newcastle SAPS Station Commander, Brigadier Vassie Naidoo, to understand what systems are in place to prevent crime-fighting groups from crossing the line.
In addressing these issues, Brigadier Naidoo made it clear that the Newcastle SAPS is focused on ensuring that all community crime-fighting groups act within the law. “We hold regular joint meetings where the Newcastle SAPS instructs relevant stakeholders on how to engage with community members. We have zero tolerance for vigilantism or any form of violence. No person should exceed the powers of their organisation, security company, or forum. Even the police are not allowed to go beyond their legal powers, and any abuse of power will not be tolerated or overlooked,” stated Naidoo firmly.
Furthermore, Brigadier Naidoo highlighted the fact that strict regulations govern these crime-fighting organisations, adding that if any accusations of unnecessary force or violence arise, the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) will become involved alongside the police.
“If any member of a crime-fighting organisation, the CPF, or a security company must use minimum force in a situation where a suspect resists arrest, they are required to provide the police with an official statement. There are serious legal consequences for failing to do so or for withholding information,” Naidoo emphasised.
The rules are clear, and community crime fighters are not permitted to engage in intimidation or excessive force. If a person finds themselves victim to such rogue behaviour, Brigadier Naidoo urged them to step forward without delay and report the matter to Newcastle SAPS. “It is a crime to witness illegal activity and not report it, just as withholding information is a crime. Don’t wait two years to come forward with a report about serious crimes,” he stressed.
Moreover, when crime-fighting organisations arrive at a crime scene or a crime in progress, they are legally obligated to contact the SAPS immediately and secure the area to allow law enforcement to handle the situation. However, in some cases, crime fighters may remove a suspect from the scene and take them directly to the police station.
“It’s about evaluating the circumstances at hand. In incidents of mob justice, where the suspect’s life is in imminent danger, crime fighters are allowed to take the suspect into custody to protect them and transport them to the station. However, the police must be contacted at all times,” explained the Brigadier.
Addressing the ongoing issue of mob justice, Brigadier Naidoo issued a stark warning to Newcastle residents: anyone who participates in, or merely watches, mob justice without notifying the SAPS could face legal consequences.
Despite clear guidelines, there are still troubling accusations that some individuals within the crime-fighting community are abusing their authority, with some suggesting that local police are allowing this misconduct. Brigadier Naidoo urged those with concerns to come forward with solid evidence. “We take all crime seriously. But if someone makes false allegations, they expose themselves to civil litigation, as making false claims is a criminal act,” Naidoo warned.
As tensions rise and the court proceedings involving the four CPF members continue, Brigadier Naidoo noted that the strain on Newcastle’s crime-fighting organisations is undeniable.
He explained that the situation with the CPF members in court is tearing apart the sense of unity in the community, leaving many residents feeling uncertain and demoralised. Therefore, Brigadier Naidoo acknowledged this growing divide but urged the CPF and other groups to press on with their critical work.
“Without the CPF and other crime-fighting organisations working alongside the Newcastle SAPS, crime in Newcastle would become unmanageable. However, I must remind everyone that no one is above the law. It is essential that all parties act within legal boundaries when fighting crime,” he concluded.
As the Newcastle SAPS continues to keep a watchful eye on the actions of local crime-fighting groups, while recognising their invaluable contributions, the broader community is left to reflect. What are your thoughts on the above? Share your views in the comment section below.
Comments 7
In this article the Brigader explains that when there is an incident of mob justice and the ‘suspect’ or person’s life is imminent danger the CPF or crime fighters are permitted to take the suspect into custody, question is why didn’t CPF members who were on scene at the time, take the necessary action, also the article states that the CPF are too inform the SAPS, so why no call made to get the SAPS back on scene when they realized there was a possibility of mob justice. From my point of view they could have spared all this unfortunate drama if they followed the protocol laid out to them when they became cpf members.In none of articles I have read does it say the ‘heroes’ did anything to save the suspect from the so called mob that was apparently on scene. Many questions little answers given
Crime in Newcastle over the past few years have been at manageable levels with help and assistance from all saps, individual security companies and the public.
Reality being people call for help and then when things get out of control they blame the very ones that assisted them.
The arrest of the cpf members is appalling and everyone must stay within the law.
Criminals from drug lords controlling the corrupt police and citizens to those who commit any crime however petty to however big all are violating the rights of others and should be dealt with in ways that do not allow them to continue to harm, accuse and threaten others.
The iPid definitely needs to come and assist and clear out the corrupt ones in places of authority in saps and allow security companies , members of the public to work well with the remaining saps who aren’t corrupt and keep newcastle in good hands, safe for kids, elderly and our livelihood.
We all stand with all the security companies and cpf as they assist people and help when the saps can not be everywhere.
The crime must stop, the criminals let loose with no repercussions … no!
The innocent are on the front pages of the newspaper … what happened to innocent until proven guilty? The right for a person’s identity to be protected when arrested and accused of crimes is being violated by the journalists and saps members who comment.
So every accusation becomes news?
Today it’s someone else… tomorrow you?
Imagine, the families , the kids and when proven innocent how do you take back all of those things?
Dear Newcastle residents , live well and live in unity , stand united and say no to all crime.
Also, we are a diverse nation and racist and religious prejudice is opening a can of worms that will damage Newcastle.
With all the mining and difficulties we have to face let us live well together, be outstanding and kind citizens also say no to crime… fighting crime together.
Drug dealers are killing kids and families
People are killing each other.
Start developing proper ethics and morals at home to create a better society.
Be the change you want to see, guide your family well, assist the community , uplift each other and prosper together in unity with God’s grace.
May God almighty bless our Newcastle, all it’s people and those who are good who protect and care for us and our nation.
Viva South Africa 🇿🇦 Viva
Madam according to the way u put this article seems as if u on the side of the murderers.u want to know what if they found not guilty do u know how much evidence is there.in this case…NO U DONT.
MAYBE U WONT. UNDERSTAND THE PAIN WHEN LOOSING A CHILD IN THIS FASSION BECAUSE U AINT A MOTHER…
LASTLY U SHOULD SAY I STAND WITH THE SECURITY AND NOT WE STAND ..TALK FOR URSELF.
Are community patrolled, neighbourhood watches, security companies, allowed to use flashing blue, red, orange or green lights ?
Are they allowed to use sirens like Police or Traffic ?
Are security companies not only allowed a static white light on the hood of the vehicle, bearing the companies name and tel number on the static light ?
It would be appreciated if the SAPS can give clarity on this as it seems they have not informed their partners in the monthly meetings of this aspect.
Sir u say people shudnt wait for 2years before reporting a matter.do u know if the people that reported matters in newcastle about the C.P.F can come foward there will be more than a thousand complaints.i was told by numerous people they put in complaints and also charged the C.P.F and its being more than a year but nothing happened.theres a few of them that suggested on opening group that will help victims who are being hit by the C.P.F for nothing.The reason i suggested the group not open is because their resolution was viloence againdt the C.P.F…The people being attacked by this C.P.F group are tired of coming to report cases because theres nothing being done for in order to get justice.
Hope that answers ur question SIR
Let’s not doubt this….when this CPF was formed all was in support of them, community members even requested banking details for the CPF so that a contribution could be made to assist the CPF financially( I know as I am on one of the WhatsApp groups). Yet no one knew what was going on behind closed doors, the main suspect everyone is going about is a co owner of a certain security company, many have complained at how he and his business partner treat others. I don’t say dissolve the CPF rather appoint a new Chair man, and committee. Get rid of the ones who think they are heroes and untouchable just cause they are CPF members. Even if these 4 are innocent they still bring scrutinized and seriously shouldn’t be allowed to operate as CPF members. They have given the CPF a bad reputation.