WESTERN CAPE NEWS - The ruling party in the Western Cape believes that neighbourhood watches are successful for the very reason that Government doesn't control them.
This came to light in a recent press statement issued by DA spokesperson, MP Cilliers Brink.
Brink issued the statement in reaction to comments by the KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Sihle Zikalala, who intimated that neighbourhood watches should be regulated more strictly.
"We have since [the unrest] asked the Security Cluster to conduct workshops on the legal framework which regulates the operation of neighbourhood watch forums," Zikalala said in reference to the recent looting in Gauteng and KZN when members of local community police forums (CPF) and neighbourhood watches were forced to jump in to protect lives and property as the police often were conspicuous by their absence.
Local relationships good
However, in the Western Cape, especially in George, there seems to be a relatively good working relationship between the various law enforcement agencies, local government, neighbourhood watches and community police forums.
This became clear during a mass patrol when various local neighbourhood watches, local CPF members, police and security companies, hit the streets of George on Friday 16 July.
"Neighbourhood watches in the Western Cape all conform to the Department of Community Safety's (Docs) constitution," said Blanco Neighbourhood Watch chairman, Deon van der Rijst. "We are registered with Docs and overall we have an excellent working relationship with them."
No to stricter regulations
Conville CPF public relations officer, Wilken Wiltshire, feels that the KZN Premier's comment is preposterous and uncalled for. "We already operate under strong guidelines according to our constitution and regulations set by Docs. What does the premier mean by saying neighbourhood watches should be regulated even more? We patrol our streets and assist the police to keep our community safe and we do so within the rules of the law. Stronger regulations will only weaken our ability to keep our families safe from criminals and unwanted elements."
According to Mike Ellis of Heather Park Neighbourhood Watch, they spend many hours supporting local police and don't see any need for stricter regulations.
"I feel we are privileged to live in George where there is a very good working relationship with police and various armed response companies. We forge ahead through our local CPF structure who are tirelessly working with the police command structures to enhance communication channels.
"As to us being regulated more - I don't think there is much more to do. We are governed by Docs and are required to meet their strict criteria in order to operate. We operate under the definitive guidelines of the police and strive to protect our communities with everything we have. For anyone to cast aspersions on the integrity of voluntary organisations like neighbourhood watch structures, is a slap in the face," he said.
KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Sihle Zikalala
Community's role will grow
Chairman of Camphers Drift, Glen Barrie and Heatherlands Neighbourhood Watch (CGHNW), Troy Lewis, says after events in KZN and Gauteng, people unfortunately don't have confidence in the police's ability to protect them.
"That's why you are seeing more and more law-abiding citizens and communities standing together under neighbourhood watch structures against unlawfulness and criminal elements."
He says these structures know their areas and communities better than the police and can respond or communicate with members quicker.
"That is why neighbourhood watches are often the first call made for assistance - because they know someone will respond to their call. I believe that neighbourhood watches will play an even bigger role in future within community safety. Government and municipalities need to work closely with these structures to build and maintain positive working relationships," said Lewis.
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