Police say noise in Upper Town will be dealt with

KNYSNA NEWS - Residents in Upper Town had very little sleep last weekend, 24 to 26 May, as music was blasting from an establishment in White Location late into the night. But hopefully this is the end of it because police told Knysna-Plett Herald they are 'taking the matter seriously.'

This noise pollution has been a problem from time to time, but this past weekend the constant 'doefdoef' of the music was worse than ever before.

On Sunday 26 May at 23:00 the music was still keeping residents awake. On an Upper Town WhatsApp group, residents complained bitterly and took to phoning protection services at the municipality, the police and DA ward councillor Peter Bester.

All residents were urged to keep phoning the police. A couple with a young baby said the noise was keeping them all awake. Another resident suggested, "We should sell our houses before this area is totally ruined."

One of the residents, Mark Taylor, said that this issue has been ongoing. "On Sunday 24 December 2023 I visited the Knysna Police Station to complain about the noise that went into the early hours of the morning the night before. The police confirmed that residents' complaints were registered up until 03:00."

Taylor was one of the residents who phoned the police this past weekend, as have other residents, seemingly to no avail.

The noise emanates from a yellow building with a name board reading 'Emlanjene Lifestyle'. It is located on the hill of White Location at the end of Sisulu Street. Knysna-Plett Herald was not able to contact the owners.

Police comment Comment received from Knysna police management read as follows: "[Saps] noted the concern from residents and want to assure the public that all complaints are regarded as serious. Knysna police advise that in future all service delivery matters, such as non-attendance of complaints, be directed to the station management. The public may contact the shift commander on duty on 082 379 3411 for any service delivery matter.

"Furthermore, complaints on shebeens or licenced liquor premises should be lodged with the designated liquor officer (DLO), Warrant Officer Francois Steyn. The DLO is responsible for compliance of licence holders and he may also institute the necessary actions against liquor premises whether licenced of unlicensed.

"He may be contacted on 044 302 6677 or 044 302 6607. Alternatively, it could be emailed to: knysna.dfo@saps.gov.za or KnysnaSAPS@saps.gov.za

"Last Friday, police in conjunction with Knysna Municipal Law Enforcement responded to a similar complaint in Sedgefield. The response led to the confiscation of a large quantity of liquor. Issues pertaining to noise pollution should be directed to the local municipality. It is the commitment of police to work with all role-players in a joint response to matters affecting communities." – Staff reporter

The alcohol confiscated by SAPS from an establishment in Sedgefield.

SAPS and Knysna muni committed to stopping noise pollution in Upper Town

Acting municipal manager Andiswa Dunywa said: “We encourage residents to report public nuisance to Law Enforcement or our Emergency Services on 044 302 6280 or 044 302 8911 or 060 998 6969.

Our by-laws have been written with the residents’ comfort and safety in mind and to protect our beautiful area.

“Any person who contravenes any of the rules of the Knysna Municipality By-Law for the Prevention of Public Nuisance may be liable to a fine of R1000 or face imprisonment.”