Athlone CPF honored by win at police awards
Colonel Louis Solomons from Athlone police and Tasneen Samsodien, the Athlone Community Police Forum’s projects assistant at the awards.
Image: Supplied
Athlone Community Police Forum (CPF) has received first runner-up in the CPF of the Year category at the 2024 and 2025 SAPS Western Cape Excellence Awards.
This marks the first time the Athlone CPF has been nominated for the prestigious provincial award, said Tasneen Samsodien, the forum’s projects assistant.
She said the recognition received at the awards recently reflects the dedication, resilience and collaborative spirit of Athlone CPF volunteers, police partners, neighbourhood watches and the broader Athlone community.
Other winners from Athlone also included Manenberg officers, Captain Ian Bennett and Lieutenant Colonel Eric White, who were recognised and awarded ("Manenberg officers receive recognition at provincial police awards", Athlone News, January 20).
Happy to collect the CPF award was Tasneen Samsodien, the forum’s projects assistant.
Image: Supplied
“Being nominated was already an honour, but receiving first runner-up recognition affirms the hard work and commitment of everyone involved,” she said.
While Khayelitsha CPF won the category and George CPF placed second runner-up, Athlone CPF described the achievement as a milestone in its continued commitment to safety and community empowerment.
Ms Samsodien said she was speechless yet ecstatic when the forum made the shortlist.
“The mere fact that we were nominated speaks volumes about the work we continue to do in our communities. This recognition is not just about a trophy, but a moment of great pride, reflection and renewed purpose,” she said.
She said the accolade symbolises what can be achieved when differences are set aside and people work together for the greater good through consistent community service, courage and strong collaboration with police and stakeholders.
Looking ahead, Ms Samsodien said the CPF aims to expand community awareness initiatives, strengthen partnerships with police and stakeholders, grow its membership and increase its presence in schools, faith groups and community organisations.
Some Athlone CPF members also attended the Western Cape Community Police Awards on Saturday, January 24, where Manenberg police station commander Brigadier Jayce Naidoo who placed first in the Law Enforcement Management Leadership category, ("Brigadier Jayce Naidoo earns top leadership honour at Western Cape police awards" Athlone News January 26).
“As we celebrate this honour, the Athlone CPF remains focused on amplifying community voices, strengthening accountability structures and driving innovative approaches to safety in Athlone. Being recognised among the province’s top CPFs motivates us to push even further in the year ahead,” she said.