The various emotionally charged opinions on this matter led to the Bitou Municipal Council taking the decision that Bitou Municipal Law Enforcement (MLE) will monitor BAW for a trial period. On Wednesday, December 4 there was an official handover of clothing to BAW members, made possible by the contributions of many locals such as ADT, Forever Resorts, What's New in Plett , Protecx, IC Optometrists and Pennypinchers.
BAW members are not employed by the municipality but have been granted the right to conduct auto-guarding activities under the direction of the Municipal Law Enforcement Department. They will not receive any remuneration from any organisation but may accept voluntary donations from members of the public.
During a recent Bitou Auto Watch workshop, chaired by Councillor Wayne Craig, some of the major problems identified were the scruffy appearances of some of the Bitou Auto Watch members, the drunk and disorderly behaviour of some and public harassment in the form of begging and demanding money. Following an in-depth discussion where those in attendance provided input, there was consensus that the situation needed to improve before the peak holiday season.
BAW applicants were required to sign a declaration acknowledging that they may conduct auto-watching activities in Plettenberg Bay only in terms of a written permit issued to them by the Municipal Law Enforcement Department, which permit may be withdrawn at any time. They needed to pass security clearance to ensure that they had no previous criminal convictions. They agreed to obey at all times the instructions of officers of the Municipal Law Enforcement Department or the South African Police Service.
All BAW applicants agreed to abide by a Code of Conduct which provides that only people officially accepted as a BAW members in terms of the written permit may conduct auto-watching activities. Mandatory uniforms and BAW ID-cards may only be used by the individual to whom they were issued and under no circumstances will non-permit holders be allowed to work on behalf of registered permit holders.
The Code of Conduct requires BAW members to keep their designated areas clean and free of litter. Sobriety is mandatory; BAW members agreed to be stripped of their permits and uniforms should this rule be broken whilst on duty. They further agreed to always treat the motorists to whom they are rendering services politely and courteously. BAW members are strictly prohibited from either directly or indirectly asking any person for money.
BAW members agreed to report any suspicious or criminal activities to either the Municipal Law Enforcement or the Police immediately. Any breach in conduct will result in their permit being revoked immediately.
With the support of the Plettenberg Bay Crime Prevention Association and Community Policing Forum (CPF) executive committee members, the approved and registered Bitou Auto Watch members were each handed a T-shirt, reflective vest, a golf cap and golf umbrella.
Municipal Law Enforcement officer, Mxolisi Thomas will oversee BAW members. He and CPF chairman, Bruce Richardson immediately started screening BAW applicants and controls have been put in place to monitor and improve behaviour.
Bitou Auto Watch and authoraties have come to an agreement to address problem issues regarding car guards. From left are Bitou's deputy mayor Adam Van Rhyner, Bruce Richardson (CPF), Nondingazi Thweyi (BAW), Andile Sakati (Bitou MLE head), Khathazwa Jola (BAW), Bitou executive mayor Memory Booysen, Bitou councillor, Wayne Craig, MLE officer Mxolisi Thomas.
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