CPF members appear in court

PHOENIX community members this week staged a peaceful demonstration outside the court in support of community police forum (CPF) members who they claim were wrongfully arrested.

Three members of sector one of the Phoenix CPF, which is Redfern, Mount Royal and Whetstone, appeared in court on a charge of assault, damage to property and crimen injuria.

Captain Louise Naidoo, Phoenix police spokesperson, said three CPF members were charged with assault, damage to property and crimen injuria.

“It is alleged that a person was driving in the area of sector six, the Bhambayi area, at 10pm. He was stopped and asked what he was doing in the area. It’s alleged his keys were pulled out the ignition causing damage to his ignition. It is claimed he was assaulted and sworn at. The complainant opened a case and the three CPF members were arrested,” said Naidoo. The case resumes on November 30. Lenzo Pillay, a community activist, said what irked the community was how the members were wrongfully arrested.

“These are people who are protecting the community, yet they were treated like common criminals. They were doing the job that the police get paid to do,” said Pillay.

Samier Singh, a ward councillor, said the community believed a proper investigation was not conducted before the arrests were made.

“The arrests have angered the community. I don’t think there should have been any arrests because there is no evidence. I don’t believe the accusation that they used abusive language, as one of the members is a pastor. He is an honest man and an educated person who is respected in the community,” said Singh.

Loven Karim, vice-chairperson of the Phoenix CPF, said they would await the outcome of the court process.