5
www.thevillagenews.co.za
18 December 2019
Safety a top priority this season S afety and security will be the name of the game this season after the establishment of a public safety task team comprising all the relevant role-players. The aim of the task team is to implement an integrated operational grid plan to ensure the safety of residents and tourists alike this season.
The task team was formed during a meeting on Wednesday, 11 December at the Windsor Hotel that was attended by, amongst others, SAPS, the Community Police Forum (CPF), Hermanus Public Protection (HPP),local law enforcement, the traffic department, AfriForum, several neighbourhood watches and representatives of business. The integrated operational plan kicked off on Friday with the first shift of the new car watchers (see story and photo beneath) as well as increased visible policing in Hermanus Old Town and along the Cliff Path from Gearings Point to the New Harbour. According to Neville Michaels, Director: Protection Services of the Overstrand Municipality, all municipal law enforcement personnel, including the traffic department, will do foot patrols along the Cliff Path, in the Old Town and on Grotto beach. The municipal Law Enforcement Task
Team will also do foot patrols and assist the SAPS with anti-poaching activities. “Every tourist who visits our shores is responsible for the creation of four to five jobs, so we need to ensure that all tourist attractions are as safe as possible. There has been an increase in the number of ‘bergies’ (vagrants) in the last few weeks. The problem is that many of them are not real ‘bergies’ but rather gang members from the 26s and 27s gangs that are here to only mug and rob. It is our task as a community to work together to stop this in its tracks. This can only be done by sharing resources and information in order to be as effective as possible,” Michaels said. Lt Col Muneeb Africa of the SAPS said there has been a marked increase in the number of business robberies, especially during load-shedding. “Business owners need to be aware of who are in their shops and why they are there, especially during load-shedding. It might also be worthwhile for businesses to invest in shutter doors that are closed at night as smash-and-grab robberies are on the increase, especially after hours,” he said. According to Errol van Staden of HPP, the newly-appointed car watchers will also assist with keeping the area clean. “We have received
a donation of R3 000 from a benefactor to incentivise the car watchers to keep the area where they work clean and tidy.” In addition, the District Festive Season Road Safety Plan was also launched last week. The primary objective of this plan is to reduce road accident fatalities. “We want motorists to know that we will be out there – the Overberg District has adopted a zero-tolerance approach towards any motorist who breaks the law,” said Overstrand Mayor, Dudley Coetzee. Coetzee said it breaks his heart that the Overstrand has not had an auspicious start to the holiday season. “Already, several innocent lives have been lost due to a horrendous road accident right in the middle of Kleinmond's Main Road. It is my fervent wish that this campaign will compel road users to abide by traffic laws and to behave responsibly whenever they take to the road.” he said. He reminded motorists to expect to be submitted to random breathalyser tests anywhere, anytime along any road in the area. - De Waal Steyn
New car watchers for Old Town may not overstep their jurisdiction.
Nkululelo Nyontso proudly wearing his new pink vest in the CBD. Security concerns over cars parked after hours in Hermanus Old Town are set to be a thing of the past after the municipality appointed some 40 car watchers who will be on duty seven days a week from 17:00 to 02:00. The car watchers have all been supplied with branded pink security bibs, with a name badge as well as a warm jacket to keep the chill out during the night. The easily recognisable bibs and jackets were generously sponsored by AfriForm and the Community Police Forum (CPF). This new initiative was made possible through co-operation between Overstrand Municipality,
Afriforum, CPF, local security companies and SAPS. The bibs were especially ordered from Cape Town as they are not available in Hermanus, and will eliminate the illegitimate night car monitors, who wear yellow/green bibs which are available at local shops. The new car watchers will be split into two groups of 20 which will rotate shifts weekly. They will cover areas such as Gearing’s Point, the Sharklady’s offices, Clicks, Market Square, FNB, The Wine Glass, Bientang’s Cave, The Marine Hotel, Rossi’s and Jet. Their job is not only to mind cars but also report to any illegal activity they may see, to the authorities. They
The car watchers may not charge for parking, but tips are most welcome. Formal parking attendants with green vests will work during the day. They will also have a name badge and a machine which prints payment slips for parking. New parking tariffs will be introduced, with the first 15 minutes being free. Council will consider the option of making the first 30 minutes free in the new year. Six peace officers from Cape Town will also be monitoring the CBD and have the power not only to fine people, but also to make arrests. They will receive assistance from traffic, law enforcement and security services. All car watchers have been vetted by the SAPS and do not have a criminal record. They are also subject to a code of conduct. If you see anything suspicious call SAPS on 028 313 5300. If you want to report one of the night car watchers or praise any of them for good service, please feel free to contact Overstrand Municipality on 028 312 2400. The contact numbers are also on the back of their vests. The municipality wants to ensure the success of this project for the public’s safety, and will remove any car watchers who are letting the side down.
