KNYSNA NEWS - In response to recent incidents of shocking crime in Knysna the community has been urged not to panic, but rather to take normal and sensible precautions.
"On behalf of the Knysna Municipality, I send my deepest condolences to the family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and we hope that you find strength during this difficult time.
"It is especially tragic in the light of the fact that the couple had left Zimbabwe to seek sanctuary in our beautiful town. We are thankful for the swift response of the community, CPF and SAPS and the fact that an arrest has been made, but know that this does not compensate for the loss," said Wolmarans.
She said, however, that Knysna has always been and remains to be perceived as a town in which it is safe to live, but that as is the case all over in South Africa, crime is on the increase as a result of poverty and other socio-economic influences.
"Extra vigilance is needed by all residents to ensure we do what we can to protect ourselves and look out for the safety our fellow citizens. We therefore implore our citizens to remain vigilant and report any unusual or suspicious behaviour to the authorities."
Cheryl Britz, Knysna CPF chairperson, said: "Knysna has always been known as a relatively safe haven from crime, however recently there have been a number of serious crimes which have been alarming."
Britz agreed that "more serious crimes have escalated" and said, "The Police and other law enforcement agencies are working closely together in combating these crimes. A number of police operations, as part of Operation Fiela, have been conducted in the Greater Knysna area with good results and these operations will be continued regularly to address drugs , and all other illegal activities."
She said the the volunteers of the CPF, the community police sub-forums and neigbourhood watch structures in the six policing sectors continue to work closely with SAPS and the other law enforcement agencies to identify and combat crime trends pertaining to the different policing sectors.
"We continue to look at improving the security of our town, and how to increase the education of awareness so residents can become more observant and report any suspicious activity. "
Britz said the incidents this past week highlight that the community need to get involved at every level and become part of the solution.
"Whilst we have challenges we also need to acknowledge the good work done by SAPS, law enforcement, security companies and all the volunteers affiliated to SAPS. Currently Knysna has an immediate network of communication between all the law enforcement partners, WhatsApp alerts are posted and the relevant key role-players can react immediately to ensure a successful outcome .The CPF and all the law enforcement partners attend a weekly SAPS partnership meeting to promote joint identification and problem solving of all crime related concerns.
"We encourage all to join their local neighbourhood watch (NHW) structure in Knysna. They continue to play a vital role in initiating ongoing patrols and their NHW WhatsApp groups help to keep all in the know about any suspicious persons or activity," said Britz.
"It's all about partnerships and communication. We do not have to become more paranoid, just more aware, more careful and put measures in place to safeguard our families and to help build a safer Knysna community," she stressed.
Britz encourages those who want to make a difference in the community to attend a Business Against Crime meeting to which all business owners are invited. The meeting will be held on August 18 at the Knysna Angling Club at 18:00.
All are welcome to attend. For more information contact Cheryl Britz on 082 574 9657 or jccj@absamail.co.za or SAPS Sector 1 manager, Warrant Officer Francois Cowley at 082 522 3190.
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ARTICLE: ELAINE KING, KNYSNA-PLETT HERALD EDITOR
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