Policing Needs and Priorities Public Accountability Meeting Cluster

Report back on Policing Needs and Priorities (PNP) approach in finding lasting solutions to crime in the Province. meeting held in September 2013, at the CP Nell He informed participants that the Department of Community Museum, Rembrandt Hall, Oudtshoorn. Safety leads Provincial Strategic Objective: 5, which aims to increase safety in the Province.

He stressed that initiatives undertaken must be aimed at removing the opportunities to commit crime and thereby, increase safety. In his concluding remarks, he reiterated the need to approach the issue of safety in an integrated manner, which encompasses not only safety organisations, but the society at large.

A wide range of safety and security issues were raised. Below are a few of the crucial policing needs which were identified:

• Substance abuse, unemployment and poverty were raised as key contributors of crime in this police cluster. Chief Director: Kenny Africa and traffic officials of the Residents felt that these issues were closely linked to Oudtshoorn traffic centre were at the PNP meeting. robberies in the area inclusive of residential burglary. In terms of the South African Constitution (2011) and the Community Safety Act of 2013, the Department of • Gangsterism, drug-related crime and domestic violence Community Safety is required to hold the police and were highlighted as the major crimes affecting the traffic services to account. The Department does not have cluster. operational control over the South African Police Service (SAPS); however, it has an important oversight role. Part • A call was made for more visible policing in the area, with of this role is to determine, in partnership with communities an emphasis on transport routes, which was highlighted and the National Government, the Policing Needs and as hotspots for drug dealing. Priorities (PNPs) of specific communities within the Province. • Attendees also called for more recreational facilities and programmes for children in the cluster. Communities are called upon to support the Department by reporting safety concerns, as well as the positive and The departmental representatives assured the community negative aspects of police and traffic services, so that that their concerns have been heard, and below are some of we ultimately ensure that we create safer communities, the interventions the Department will be pursuing: Better Together. • Noting that safety is everyone’s responsibility, the During July 2013, the Department commenced with a series of department is committed to continuous engagement public meetings in communities, which were grouped together with communities in a multifaceted manner, inclusive of according to their Police Clusters. The Oudtshoorn Public the CPFs, SAPS and various role players. The community Meeting was the 12th engagement, in a series of 25, planned is also called upon to keep a watchful eye, and to engage for the Province. The Oudtshoorn Police Cluster includes each other with regards to the safety concerns. the Calitzdorp, , Ladysmith, Oudtshoorn and areas. • The Department will provide ongoing support to the CPFs and Neighbourhood Watch forums in the cluster. SAPS, Community Policing Forums (CPFs), Neighbourhood Watch structures, Faith-based Organisations, members • The community supported the approach that the of the broader community, and representatives from all success of increasing safety is largely dependent on spheres of government attend these meetings. This is also the partnership and collaboration between the police an opportunity for the community to meet the Minister and community, Western Cape Government and Non- Head of Department. Governmental institutions.

In his speech, the Minister for Community Safety, Mr Dan It must be noted that there are issues raised at these Plato, referred to SAPS’ annual budget allocation of R63,5 meetings, which are not within the Department’s scope of billion. He pointed out that the overall ratio of police to influence. In such cases we will escalate those matters to the population suggests that SAPS is not under resourced the relevant government department or institution so that but that the distribution and the management of these it may be resolved. resources is a challenge. For more information, please visit www.westerncape.gov.za The Head of Department of Community Safety, Dr Gilbert or SMS PnP to 35 395. Lawrence stressed the recognition of the whole-of-society we can make the western cape better together

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