- The Muizenberg Community Policing Forum (CPF) is calling for increased police resources due to staff shortages that are affecting crime rates in the area.
- CPF chair Derick Muller emphasised the need for a second station closer to communities like Hillview and Lavender Hill to improve response times.
- Community initiatives like Community in Blue have made progress, but police staffing remains a major challenge.
A lack of manpower and resources at Muizenberg Police Station is a direct link to the surge in crime witnessed in the policing precinct.
According to Muizenberg Community Policing Forum (CPF) chair Derick Muller, who spoke at the CPF annual general meeting (AGM) last week, the underresourced staff complement is a major concern.
“The police station is terribly underresourced,” Muller shared with the People’s Post. “For example, the roles of those officers who passed on and those who retired have not been replaced. It is why crime is increasing – because of manpower, the staff are truly not there.”
He further indicated, in order to fight crime, it was essential to have a police station closer to the community.
Closer police station
“The priority should be that the department (National Department of Public Works) should come to the party and build a police station that is closer to the community,” said Muller. “We need a second station that can assist with Hillview, Vrygrond, Coniston Park, Lavender Hill and it just makes more sense. The reaction time would be a lot quicker if the police station was closer.”
Muller pointed out that it was essential to understand the demographics of the location of the police station and the communities it serviced.
“The station is far out for residents to go for an affidavit, it is sad that poor people are bearig the brunt of it. The poor must always suffer; and it is not fair.”
In his AGM address, Muller referred to key achievements, which included the notable successes of joint efforts between the Community in Blue (CIB), CPF and neighbourhood watches.
“The CPF Muizenberg successfully launched and operationalised the CIB programme, an initiative that has bolstered visible policing efforts through partnerships between community volunteers and law enforcement,” said Muller. “This initiative has increased our reach and presence, contributing positively to the sense of safety within our community.”
An increase in the number of neighbourhood watches across the Muizenberg precinct further strengthened community-driven safety initiatives.
“These project’s aim is to create a safe environment for children and youth, reinforcing the commitment of CPF Muizenberg to holistic community well-being.”
However, the main challenges faced are the lack of police resources and manpower.
“A key area of concern remains the partnership with police, where staffing shortages hinder their capacity to fully engage as equal partners,” he shared.
“This constraint requires us to explore alternative support mechanisms and advocate for more police resources within Muizenberg.”
Incoming committee
Recommendations and future actions for the incoming Exco Committee, to be elected next month, is to address current challenges.
“The CPF should continue its advocacy for increased police infrastructure and staffing,” Muller commented. “Engaging with relevant authorities to push for more resources will be essential to sustaining and enhancing the role of (police) in community policing efforts.”
He added that the incoming committee has a strong foundation to build on and a clear roadmap to address key challenges and further empower the community.
“Together, we can continue to foster a safer and more connected Muizenberg. In closing, the CPF Muizenberg has made substantial progress over the past year, driven by the commitment of our outgoing executive team and the collective efforts of our community.”
Meanwhile, commenting on the working conditions police face (“Station is falling apart”, People’s Post, 20 June 2023), Muller said the building’s roof has since been repaired.
“The leaking roof has been fixed, however the fence still needs to be fixed. The security of the building itself at night is not secure… with the fence down and broken it is a walking free for all which is a concern.”
