Municipality works with SAPS toward a safer Knysna

KNYSNA NEWS - In a bid to create a safer Knysna, Knysna Municipality had six law enforcement officers on duty from 08:00 to midnight (24:00) patrolling the streets of Knysna over the weekend.

According to Acting Municipal Manager Dawid Adonis, this was a first attempt. Complaints were dispatched through to the 24-hour operational centre at the fire station.

“This initiative was part of the municipality’s efforts in creating a safer Knysna, continuing a culture of zero tolerance towards those involved in criminal activities. These six officers were monitoring known hotspots in the CBD area and patrolling Main Road, Long Street and Grey Street on foot,” said Adonis.

They assisted with vagrant control and monitoring noise complaints at Kathy Park and Die Parkie in Hornlee.

“They also respond to complaints in Sedgefield and other sections of the greater Knysna area," said Adonis. "The officers will also be on duty over the Easter long weekend.”
He said based on the success of this weekend’s venture, the long-term vision is to have officers on duty every weekend.

“It must be said that these duties are inherently under the jurisdiction of the South African Police Service, but we must work together to make the CBD a safe environment for visitors and residents alike – to create an inspired, innovative, inclusive and safe Knysna.”

Overtime will be monitored to ensure that the threshold of 40 hours per officer is not exceeded.