KNYSNA NEWS - Colonel Nicholas Warnick has been appointed as the new commander of the Knysna Police Station.
He started in this new position on Monday 10 March. Warnick has promised to fight crime and corruption in the Knysna area, and said he had identified crime hot spots.
He had worked in the town as a warrant officer, and understood the dynamics of Knysna.
Experience
He brings in a wealth of experience, and in 2018 was admitted as a High Court advocate.
"Previously I was a warrant officer here attending to complaints in our community of Knysna.
"I'm well aware of this town's dynamics and what is going on in all the areas here. Station commander is a critical post and I was appointed to this position very quickly.
"I'm very glad to take over this position. I also want to acknowledge that there are a lot of challenges here in Knysna.
"It's my responsibility to ensure that we build a good relationship with our communities and external stakeholders to address our crime challenges," he said.
Crime-fighting plan
Currently the Knysna police are interacting with the mayor and municipal manager to find a way of working together in fighting crime.
The station commander said they were in the process of bringing back the community safety forum.
The forum will address the needs of the community, such as street lights and other things.
He said the municipality has to be involved as there is a need to clear bush in which many crimes are committed.
"Crime is a challenge for every station commander. But I have a very competent group of members - that is very positive. We have identified our challenges pertaining to liquor and drugs.
"I want to encourage our communities to assist the police and pass on crime information because they know their neighbours, they identify these things."
Understands community
Since he is from Knysna, Warnick has made it clear that his new role won't be too difficult to undertake because he understands the dynamics of Knysna, and the community.
He mentioned that he will be exposed to different things such as, for example, the taxi industry. Warnick said the taxi industry was an entity of its own.
They had their own challenges and the police will engage with taxi operators.
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