LOCAL community crime fighters are keen to clean house following concerns raised after an Elsies River Community Policing Forum (CPF) member was photographed with the relatives of alleged high ranking gang members.
The Western Cape Community Police Board (WCCPB) is exploring a process for executive membership to be reviewed and vetted before elective meetings after a photograph of Claudine Coleridge - an Elsies River CPF and People’s Movement for Change (PMC) member, was photographed in 2022 with Joel Booysen - son of alleged Sexy Boys gang boss Jerome “Donkie” Booysen.
It has since also come to light that 50 percent of the current Elsies River CPF membership has been declared ineligible to serve.
This was revealed by DA MP Nicholas Gotsell, a member of the Security and Justice portfolio committee in Parliament, and a document that was shared with the Cape Argus by an independent source.
Gotsell says: “This comes in the wake of serious concerns surrounding Ms Claudine Coleridge’s associations with known gang figures and her repeated appearance in photographs with alleged gang leaders.
“CPFs are meant to serve as a bridge between communities and the police - upholding accountability, fostering trust, and mobilising collective action against crime.”
Coleridge kicked back saying the image was taken at Jet Lounge owned by Joel, during a film production.
Coleridge was also brought into the public spotlight in 2021 when she was pictured standing with alleged leaders of the Terrible Josters gang.
WCCPB spokesperson Rafique Foflonker said they could not comment on Coleridge's matter due to the sensitive nature of the claims.
He says: “The vetting and screening process conducted after the election aims to identify any illicit activities or ineligibilities associated with community-elected members.
“If such issues are discovered, affected members are encouraged to step down voluntarily.
“Should they refuse, they may face immediate dismissal or a formal disciplinary process, which could have more serious consequences.
“The Western Cape Provincial Community Police Board is exploring a process where applications for executive membership are reviewed before elective meetings.
"The board is also exploring ways to strengthen legislation governing the vetting process.”
