RE: Public Order Policing – OVERBERG
In July 2018 we requested the possibility of having a POPS Unit stationed closer to the OVERBERG DISTRICT. This request was raised at a meeting with Me. Helen Zille, then Premier of WC.
As you are aware, Hermanus and surrounding areas were plagued by a spate of riots. Each time it took POPS a substantial amount of time to attend to the Hermanus riots. (average response time: 4 hours) Recently we have again had a spate of Riots in Kleinmond, Grabouw, and Villiersdorp. The response time of POPS to our region is of grave concern as it creates instability, which not only affects the businesses and law-abiding citizens, but it also tarnishes the image and reputation of our region.
On 25th June we held our first “Overstrand Public Safety Forum” meeting. The Forum is a platform representative of SAPS, Fire Services, Overstrand Law Enforcement Agencies, Cape Nature, Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment, the Special Rate Areas (SRA’s), private security companies, neighbourhood watch, Business, CPF chairpersons for towns within the Overstrand and AfriForum.
During this meeting, we deliberated on a number of pressing issues and without a doubt, POPS was one of the urgent matters we have to address.
I have been mandated by the Overstrand Public Safety Forum and its representative organizations, to start discussions regarding the possibility for POPS to have a unit in or close to our towns. This, I anticipate will take some time, as proper planning needs to be done.
Worth mentioning is the upcoming Municipal Elections (this might also result in public instability and incitements.)
The Overstrand Municipality has also indicated its willingness to assist wherever possible.
This also follows on a clear mandate established by our Honourable constituency head Masizole Mnqasela as part of the Greater Stakeholders Forum he created to have stability in the Overstrand.
We are herewith formally requesting assistance in this regard.
This letter was supposed to have reached your desk earlier but due to the turmoil and unrest in the last few weeks, we felt the need to approach you rather when things have subsided a bit. In the same breath, we would like to congratulate all role players for ensuring a largely peaceful period for the Western Cape in comparison with other parts of our country – Strong leadership, a clear action plan, and implementation has certainly paid off.
CC: Honourable Premier Alan Winde
CC: Honourable Masizole Mnqasela
CC: Brigadier D Heilbron
CC: Director N Michaels (Overstrand Protection Services
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Kind regards
Clinton Lerm
Overstrand Public Safety Forum
Whale Coast Business and Community Forum
