KNYSNA NEWS - Knysna post office’s woes with vagrants sleeping on the premises at night go as far back as 10 years.

According to staff, these vagrants have codes to access their premises and use them to enter and sleep in the grounds at night.

The Knysna-Plett Herald wrote a story about this last year, but nothing seems to have changed.

Manager Zanele Kula said last year the post office lacks the funds to tighten their security – and this remains the case.

Dean Bruiners, a cleaning assistant, said every morning before they open he has to clean up after the vagrants, including human excrement.

After seeing a post on Facebook last week, Mossel Bay-based Ingrid Collin contacted the paper, saying, “One of my friends said when they went to fetch their post they saw vagrants there smoking dagga and he didn’t feel safe.”

This, she said, reminded her of an incident that took place three years back. 

“My grandmother was robbed and punched at the post office… What else needs to happen for this to stop? Where are we supposed to feel safe?”

This year, both Kula and Bruiners were not able to provide comment.

Martie Gilchrist from the communication’s division said the police were approached for assistance to remove the vagrants, but despite this the problem persists.

Another vagrant sleeping inside the post office.

The premises could be locked overnight, however, this would limit customers' access to their boxes and make them accessible during office hours only.

The Knysna post office has extended an invitation to the readers to come up with suggestions on how to alleviate the problem.

Asked for comment, Knysna police spokesperson Sergeant Chris Spies said, "The Knysna police are aware of vagrants hanging out at the post office, especially after hours and over weekends. 

"The police conduct regular patrols at the premises and respond to complaints when received from members of the public."

The Knysna post office in Main Street. Photo: Nwabisa Pondoyi

Spies said the police will work closely with the local branch manager to address their concerns, adding, "However, the onus remains with the owner or tenant to ensure that their property is safeguarded."

ARTICLE: NWABISA PONDOYI, KNYSNA-PLETT HERALD JOURNALIST

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