Update
KNYSNA NEWS - The manager at East End Kwikspar, Chris Moonie, says he is committed to the safety and peace of mind of all shoppers who enter the store.
This follows an apparent complaint posted on a local Facebook group recently, according to Moonie, which referred to the number of vagrants and beggars in the vicinity who often pester customers.
Moonie says he heard about the complaint but felt it was unfair as there is a consistent and ongoing effort on his behalf to curb the problem, which is often successful – albeit short-term as the vagrants always return.
“Since 2016 we have explored several avenues to resolve this issue.
"We have also been in constant contact with the relevant departments at the municipality, where we've urged assistance in this regard,” he says.
Immense progress has been made since, Moodie says, as they've met with several managers of departments at the municipality to discuss the issue.
It was only last week, however, in the middle of February 2018, that they finally received assistance from the municipality – in the form of a municipal officer being appointed to monitor and patrol the area, and to chase away any vagrants harassing customers by begging for change.
“We are satisfied with the support from the municipality, but there is definitely room for improvement.
"The municipal official only arrives at 12:00 and leaves at 20:00, but we open at 06:30 in the morning and it would be better for the official to be here from that time.”
Moonie says Kwikspar has hired their own guard, Simphiwe Lonsiphiwo, and his main function is to chase away the vagrants.
“This has been very effective, but vagrants always return when we turn our backs. It's also dangerous as the guard has been threatened and sometimes, chasing away vagrants can turn violent.”
The store has also put up signs, discouraging members of the public from giving money to beggars, which can persuade them to stay.
“We're always trying to clear this area of vagrants, so we just feel that any complainants should approach us first with any concerns so that we may address it in the proper manner.”
He says customers can rest assured that Kwikspar management will continue to do everything within their capability to ensure a pleasant shopping experience for all the community.
Read a previous article: Knysna Kwikspar vagrants get the boot
ARTICLE & PHOTO: YASEEN GAFFAR, KNYSNA-PLETT HERALD JOURNALIST
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