Concerns over gang links lead to review of Western Cape CPF vetting process

The Western Cape Community Police Board is exploring a process for executive membership to be reviewed and vetted before elective meetings, following concerns raised after an Elsies River Community Policing Forum (CPF) member was photographed with the relatives of alleged high ranking gang members.

It has since also come to light that 50% 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.

The Cape Argus last week told of concerns raised 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, the son of Jerome “Donkie” Booysen, who is allegedly the leader of the Sexy Boys gang.

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 and appeared in the Daily Voice after a photograph of her surfaced standing with alleged leaders of the Terrible Josters gang.

Western Cape Community Police Board spokesperson, Rafique Foflonker, said they could not comment on Coleridge's matter due to the sensitive nature of the claims.

“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.

"This would allow for screening and vetting to be completed in advance, ensuring that only eligible candidates are formally appointed.

"The board is also exploring ways to strengthen legislation governing the vetting process," Foflonker said. 

Police Oversight and Community Safety MEC Anroux Marais's office was approached on the latest developments but said they would only comment once there was "new information".

Gotsell saidthe DA was alarmed that 50% of the current Elsies River CPF membership has been declared ineligible.

“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, including the son of the infamous Jerome 'Donkie' Booysen.

“CPFs are meant to serve as a bridge between communities and the police — upholding accountability, fostering trust, and mobilising collective action against crime. 

“These forums play a crucial role in combatting gangsterism, drugs, and violence by ensuring that SAPS remains responsive and community-focused.

"It is therefore non-negotiable that CPF members must be individuals of unquestionable integrity, impartiality, and independence — not aligned to political agendas, criminal networks, or gangs."

Earlier, PMC said they could not comment on the images as Coleridge was not with the party at the time.

Whistle blower and crime activist Zona Morton said CPF members had to be mindful of who they associated themselves with socially and had to be vetted properly.

Cape Argus