North West police condemn murder of Community Policing Forum chairperson

North West police condemn murder of Community Policing Forum chairperson! Police in the North West province have strongly condemned the brutal killing of Sydney Mboweni, a Community Policing Forum (CPF) chairperson, who was gunned down in the Ikemeleng informal settlement in Kroondal, outside Rustenburg.

The shocking incident took place on Thursday, March 27, and has since raised concerns about the safety of CPF members, who dedicate their time to fighting crime in their communities.

Circumstances Surrounding the Murder

According to Colonel Adéle Myburgh, the provincial police spokesperson, Mboweni was found inside his Toyota single-cab bakkie, which had crashed into a fence at a neighbor’s house. When authorities arrived at the scene, they discovered that Mboweni had sustained what appeared to be a gunshot wound to the head.

“Paramedics were summoned to the scene, where the victim was certified dead,” said Myburgh.

Police reports indicate that Mboweni had just finished supper with his girlfriend before leaving in his vehicle. He was reportedly on his way to the police station to report a crime when tragedy struck.

Community Policing Forum chairperson

“His girlfriend heard gunshots a few minutes after he left,” Myburgh stated. Shortly after the shots were fired, an unknown man came to report that Mboweni had been involved in an accident. Upon investigating, the girlfriend discovered her partner’s bakkie had collided with a fence, and he had been shot in the head.

Condemnation from Law Enforcement

The Acting Provincial Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, has condemned the murder of the CPF chairperson, describing it as a direct attack on those who work tirelessly to ensure safer communities.

“Community Policing Forums (CPFs) are legally established structures to assist and support police in the fight against crime, and the killing of those who volunteer their time to ensure safer communities cannot be condoned,” he said.

Asaneng further assured that no stone will be left unturned in the search for Mboweni’s killers.

A Tragic Loss for the Community

Sydney Mboweni, only 28 years old, was an active leader in his community. As a CPF chairperson, he played a vital role in tackling crime in Ikemeleng informal settlement and worked closely with the police to improve safety in the area.

His sudden and violent death has left the Ikemeleng community in shock and mourning, with many residents expressing fear and frustration over crime levels.

Community members and fellow CPF colleagues have described Mboweni as a dedicated and fearless leader who was deeply committed to making his neighborhood safer.

“He was always available to help. If there was a problem, you knew Sydney would be there to assist,” said one CPF member. “His death is a huge loss, not just to his family, but to all of us who worked alongside him.”

Investigations Underway

At this stage, no arrests have been made, and the police are actively investigating the case. Authorities are urging anyone with information about the shooting to come forward.

“We are appealing to the public to assist in this case. If anyone saw something or has any information that could lead to the arrest of those responsible, they should contact the police,” Myburgh stated.

The police are also investigating whether Mboweni’s murder was linked to his role in crime prevention efforts, or if it was a targeted attack for other reasons.

Growing Concerns Over CPF Safety

Mboweni’s killing has sparked concerns over the safety of CPF members, who are volunteers working alongside law enforcement.

Over the years, CPF members across the country have faced threats, intimidation, and violence, as their work often disrupts criminal activities.

Community members are now calling for better protection for CPF members, arguing that their lives should not be put at risk for working to improve public safety.

Conclusion

Sydney Mboweni’s brutal murder is a grim reminder of the risks that community leaders and crime fighters face daily. While police have vowed to bring his killers to justice, his death highlights the ongoing crime crisis in many South African communities.

As the investigation continues, his family, friends, and community members remain in mourning, hoping that justice will be served and that those responsible will be held accountable.