Government can’t fix problems alone, they have to work together with the community and private sector, says Provincial MEC for Community Safety and Police Oversight, Reagan Allen.
He was speaking at the Civic Association of Rondebosch East’s (CARE) first public meeting since the start of the pandemic, at the Vera School hall last Thursday, October 13.
The City’s Mayoral committee member for community services and health, Patricia van der Ross, Ward 60 councillor Mark Kleinschmidt, and Lansdowne police station commander Colonel Shawn van Wyk also attended, as well as around 50 residents who raised concerns about crime and the homeless issue.
CARE chairperson Hylton Mitchell says theft of gate motors were a concern in the Rondebosch East area, especially during load shedding at night, when the area is in complete darkness. “We are very concerned about the low rate of police patrols during the night when their is load shedding in the area,” he says.
A few residents in the audience said Lansdowne police took too long to respond to crimes.
Colonel Van Wyk says that the community must call 10111 immediately and if they don’t get a response, then they must try the 24-hour shift cell number at 082 378 8760.
“When any crime is reported it is important that it is registered so that we can have a point of reference.”
Colonel Van Wyk says police officers should also be held to account if they are not providing a effective response to the public.
He says they are working with limited resources as it is hard to cover Lansdowne and Rondebosch East.
He says they will continue to communicate with the community to find the best solutions. “A community can work well if they know what works best for the area,” he says.
Lansdowne Community Policing Forum (CPF) chairperson Rafique Floflonker says that any service delivery complaint can be brought to them.
“The CPF can take complaints to hold police accountable, and the CPF can also be held accountable if they are not performing,” he says.
Mr Allen says that strengthening police is difficult. “Some police may find themselves in a position where they are not aligned to follow the standard operation procedures of police which makes them vulnerable to serve,” he says.
Mr Allen has praised the work of the neighbourhood watches and the community policing forum that supports crime fighting.
Residents raised concerns on homelessness near Lansdowne train station and close to the field near Seventh Avenue, Rondebosch East, near Melbourne Road.
Mr Mitchell says Lansdowne train station is the community’s main concern when it comes to homelessness, where no tangible solution was given by the City.
Mr Kleinschmidt says they have been working hard to get the homeless people reintegrated into the community. “Most homeless don’t want help while we also had to deal with anti-social behaviour like drug use from the homeless,” he says.
Ms Van der Ross says they are faced with the matter that residents are enabling the homeless to stay long on the street by giving them money, old clothes and food.
“We sit with the social workers where we interview the homeless, find out their life history, ask if they are prepared to go into the City’s Safespace programme that support the homeless,” she says.
Rondebosh East resident, Ayesha Adams says she has reported homelessness problems in Seventh Avenue, Rondebosch East, where she did get response from the City. “Ms Van der Ross did give some valuable answers regarding the homeless and the Landsdowne police with Mr Allen shared good oversight into the police,” she says.
Another Rondebosch East resident, Zelt Marais, says it is important for the community to get involved and show a interest in the meetings.
“If we don’t get involved with the community activities, the City will ignore our problems, we can at least say weare trying to keep the City accountable,” he says.
CARE is hosting their annual general meeting at the Vera School, 20 Anglesey Street, Rondebosch East, on Friday November 18, from 7pm. All residents are welcome to attend. Residents can contact CARE secretary Christopher Lane on 074 631 9151 for more information.
