PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - The Plettenberg Bay Residents and Ratepayers Association has called on the Bitou council to reconsider plans for the establishment of a correctional services facility in Plettenberg Bay.
In a letter to mayor Jessica Kamkam on 15 April, the association's chairperson, Steve Pattinson, said the correctional services landscape has changed dramatically since this initiative was first considered by Council in 2016.
"Recent national findings and systemic trends indicate that South Africa's correctional system is in a state of crisis, posing significant security, social, and reputational risks - especially to towns like ours that depend on safety, tourism, and community well-being," he said.
New breed
In a bid to create awareness and momentum around the prison project, the association has emphasised the negative consequences of such a development.
"Concerns are mounting in Plettenberg Bay as the executive mayor, Jessica Kamkam (DA), and deputy mayor Noksi Kolwapi (IPM) revive plans to establish a correctional facility in the iconic Garden Route town," it said.
Steve Pattinson, Plett Ratepayers chairperson Photos: Chris van Gass
"A new breed of organised and syndicated hard criminality will be placed within our town. This brings enablers, collaborators, escapees and parolees directly into our environment with a direct negative impact on crime and safety and Plettenberg Bay's desirability as an investment, holiday and residential destination. Property values will likely fall and other positive developments will be forgone in the areas proximate to the prison site; community safety perceptions will erode, and residents - especially women and children - will inevitably feel more vulnerable.
"Increased demand on local law enforce-ment, lack of lower-priced housing, high cost of living (food, supplies and services), the lack of a government hospital and already strained municipal services will place an unmanageable burden on our already stretched resources."
Concerns
The association said Knysna simply cannot rely on the National Department of Correctional Services and SAPS to mitigate the risks cited.
Among the concerns are:
• Widespread systemic failures in Correctional Services
• Corruption and gang activity within prisons
• Lack of trust in policing and correctional oversight
• Negative consequences for Plettenberg Bay
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