This new ‘base camp’ at 440 Stroebel Street, will serve as the new Sector 2 contact point for the Hornlee community. It will be here that all crime and safety related incidents can be reported and documented and also from where all the necessary assistance can be rendered.
The Hornlee Neighbourhood Watch members, dressed in their familiar yellow shirts, stood proudly in line to await the guests. After a prayer of blessing by evangelist, Chris Britz, the new SAPS Sector 2 manager, Warrant Officer Adam Jacobs welcomed everyone. Mayor Eleanore Bouw-Spies expressed her delight that a promise made had come to fruition, and officially cut the ribbon.
The smiles of the members of the neighbourhood watch as they received their well-deserved certificates of performance for their commitment to their community, ended the evening's programme on a positive note.
In 2006 during the Easter weekend the Bambanani’s as they were referred to in the past, started with just four members. Today 25 committed members patrol Hornlee every weekend: Friday nights from 22:00 to 03:00 and Saturday nights from 20:00 onwards. They have now also included the Knysna Industrial Area in their nightly patrols. In a bid to empower the Hornlee Neighbourhood Watch members, who previously had to meet on street corners, the Knysna Community Policing Forum (KCPF), Knysna SAPS and the Knysna Municipality endeavoured to give their full support and assist members wherever possible.
The container, facilitated by the Knysna Municipality, has already proven to be a asset in more ways than one, neighbourhood watch coordinator Sydney Bewee said. "Not only have new members joined, the container will make it easier for everyone to do their job more effectively".
Bertie Beel, chairman of the Hornlee Neighbourhood Watch, added that they hoped to deliver a better service to the community and that the community should know they are welcome and can feel safe to visit at any time.
Cheryl Britz, the KCPF’s PRO, commented that the new motto, Vryheid deur Veiligheid (Freedom through Safety) added an atmosphere of renewed excitement and commitment amongst the neighbourhood watch members.
The Knysna Community Policing Forum would like to thank Knysna SAPS, Knysna Municipality, E4 Electrical, Acton Signs, Allsound and especially the dedicated Sector 2 Neighbourhood Watch members, for their ongoing commitment to ensure a safer environment for the community of Hornlee.
.jpg)
Sydney Bewee, Hornlee Neighbourhood Watch coordinator, and Bertie Beel show off a notice board with the group’s new motto and logo donated by Acton Signs.
.jpg)
Bertie Beel with WO Adam Jacobs (SAPS Sector 2 manager) and Sydney Bewee.
