- Crime, including gang-related murders and robberies, has significantly increased in Muizenberg, according to a police report presented at the recent CPF Annual General Meeting.
- Police and community leaders are focusing on strengthening partnerships to combat the rise in gang violence.
- Key challenges include drug and alcohol abuse, staff shortages, and the need for improved police-community relations.
Murder, robberies and commercial crime are on the rise in the Muizenberg policing precinct.
According to Muizenberg police acting station commander Lt Col Paul Alexander, the crimes occurred in five months from April to October this year.
He shared the crime report at the Muizenberg Policing Forum (CPF) Annual General Meeting on Thursday 7 November.
“The combating of crime remains our core business and we as police, CPF, neighbourhood watches, sector forums and other role-players will have to take our business mandated by law and constitutions seriously.
“We constantly need to look into our approach and the roles we play to address crime more effectively.”
Alexander added that the increase in murders was predominantly gang-related.
“Gang incidents remain a constant threat and this is being closely monitored with various strategies that have been implemented to combat this scourge.”
He pointed out that, during the same period, there was a decrease in property-related crime, housebreaking, theft of motor vehicles and theft out of motor vehicles.
Partnerships
Alexander’s vision for next year includes building partnerships, which he believes are vital in the fight against crime.
“I believe that the building of community-police partnerships is a vital part of achieving success in the fight against crime. Of great concern is the impact of drugs and alcohol on our communities. I am especially passionate about the youth and believe that they must be nurtured and guided as they are the leaders of tomorrow.”
Muizenberg Police Station comprises 100 employees, including 79 operational members, 34 support personnel and three open posts.
“We attempt to maintain a minimum standard of two vehicles to attend to complaints with an ideal of three vehicles deployed in the precinct at any given time,” Alexander added.
According to the same crime report, a total of 61 disciplinary files were opened against officers for alleged transgressions.
“For the period April to October, a total of 61 disciplinary files were opened against members who failed to adhere to the above standard,” said Alexander.
“In instances where the public is not treated correctly, we do not hesitate to take disciplinary steps against transgressors. Muizenberg police are guided by the Batho Pele principles, code of conduct and the service charter.”
Meanwhile, in his address CPF chair Derick Muller said a key area of concern remained staff shortages at the Muizenberg Police Station.
“Challenges persist, particularly in our partnership with (police) where staffing shortages hinder their capacity to engage fully as equal partners,” said Muller.
“Police management has demonstrated a commitment to supporting CPF objectives, but the limitations of their resources, notably manpower, have impacted their ability to contribute at the desired level. This constraint requires us to explore alternative support mechanisms and advocate for more police resources within Muizenberg.”
