Sunrise Beach, a stretch of beach in Muizenberg which has become notorious for robberies, needs a “community approach” to become a safer space.
This, according to a Muizenberg father whose 12-year-old daughter was recently mugged in the area. on Sunday 9 October.
According to Muizenberg police, 10 beach robberies have been reported from the beginning of August to date.
In a social media post Alvir Philander wrote of his frustration and feelings of powerlessness after his 12-year-old daughter and her classmate were robbed.
“My 12-year-old daughter, her classmate and her (classmate’s) mom were just robbed on the beach between Sanderling Road beach strip by a guy in a striped top and peroxide hair. According to my daughter’s friend’s mom, they were a coloured couple, the same couple as reported by many victims. I’m sure all the dads out there will understand my frustration if they see their daughter traumatised and shaken up, especially if you know things might have been different if you were there.”
Speaking to People’s Post, Philander said he moved his family out of Ocean View to Muizenberg which he thought would be a safer space.
“We moved from Ocean View to Muizenberg to get away from this, she never encountered anything like this in Ocean View. When it became bad in Ocean View, we moved, these things can happen anywhere, but this was her first experience. It was the first time I let her out of my sight as a father.
“Coming from Ocean View I grew up where there were gunshots and muggings every day, which is not as serious, but something I feel the community can do something about.”
Recounting the events on Sunday, Philander said his daughter, who was one of three people, were walking on Sunrise Beach after coming from the flea market.
“My daughter was walking with her friend when they noticed a guy approach.
“She noticed him approaching her, she placed her phone in her bag which is when the guys noticed there were two phones. He grabbed the bag from her but being a teenager, she held on and did not let go until he punched her on the lip.”
Philander added that the culprits were a man and woman posing as a couple who have been robbing several people along the beach in the past few months.
“In the afternoon, they will either target people early morning or afternoon.
“We have had a few community discussions on how to deal with the mugging issue but nothing came of it.”
After being notified about the incident, Philander said he immediately went back to the beach where he reportedly notified a law enforcement officer sitting in his vehicle.
“I went to law enforcement and explained what happened. He said I need to talk to a car guard because she apparently knew where the person (culprit) lives. I was surprised to hear that he knows where this person lives. I know I should have gone to the police.
“Everyone is coming to the conclusion that police and law enforcement are not doing their part. I see police patrolling at night but not during the day.
“I feel if there is a community approach then we can minimise the issue and I also know that law enforcement cannot be blamed.”
He added that the muggings would not stop them from walking on the beach but that the community needed to come up with a solution.
“I am raising my hand to do beach patrols but no-one else raised their hand. This has been going on for months, luckily my daughter did not end up worse.
“For me as a father and community member I will volunteer my time.
“I just feel more men should become involved to make women and children feel safer and be more pro-active. It’s more about community action that is needed.
“It is three people holding the whole community at ransom. The community needs to start some kind of initiative even if it’s perhaps paying a stipend towards those who are unemployed and from a security background to patrol the beach.”
Muizenberg police spokesperson Capt Stephen Knapp said robberies at the beachfront have increased in recent months.
“Muizenberg police have seen an increase in robberies at the beachfront as a result of the seasonal change. As a result, Muizenberg police have increased visible patrols on the beachfront which includes foot patrols.”
He added it was important for all robbery incidents to be reported to police.
“If a law enforcement officer is in the vicinity, he/she can be approached for assistance.
“However, the incident has to be reported to police for investigation purposes.”
