We need to rebuild confidence in our region

This is the good NEWS - Ed

With the summer season fast approaching, our towns are looking forward to a busy period that will breathe some life into our local economy. We can all lend a hand in this by ensuring that visitors are made to feel welcome and safe.

In a country where we cannot hide from crime, it is our responsibility to work together with law enforcement agencies, neighbourhood watches and SAPS to eradicate the cancerous growth of crime.

This month saw the publication of a damning report by Johan Brand, Western Cape Police Ombudsman, on the effectiveness of the SAPS in the Overstrand. It is important, however, to see this report in context. It is a reflection on a national competency (or incompetency) and its mandate – and not on our local officers who are hamstrung by personnel and equipment shortages.

Our local SAPS members, and those who, through neighbourhood watches and other structures, work tirelessly on making our town safer, need to be commended for their hard work.

One of the challenges faced by our tourism industry is a marked increase in the number of public violence incidents, which increased by some 240% over the last three years in the Overstrand. This, combined with similar incidents over the mountain, has had a significant impact on our tourism numbers and subsequently our economy.

Click below to read more. (The full article can be found on page 6)