Drinking in public, excessive noise disturbing the peace, vagrancy and the need to improve the level of service at Dundee SAPS were all highlighted at a business meeting hosted by the police, who used the opportunity to introduce a new station commander, Colonel Theo du Plessis.
Highly experienced, Du Plessis arrives in Dundee from Vryheid, where he worked as a detective for many years.
He told the meeting of around 20 business people that he is fully aware of the many challenges he faces in bringing the level of service at Dundee SAPS up to ‘an acceptable level’.

Colonel Moodley of the Umzinyathi SAPS Cluster Office introduced Du Plessis and said that to effectively combat crime, it is important that the police work closely with business people to boost public safety and confidence.
“Like all police stations, in Dundee, we are faced with national issues such as a shortage of vehicles and members. But we do not want to use that as an excuse for unacceptable service delivery. This is why we want meetings like this to exchange ideas and ways to combat crime. But you will see more boots on the ground and more visible patrolling especially during this festive season.

Taking questions from the floor, the Dundee SAPS management team heard a myriad of complaints focused mainly on tavern and pub patrons in the CBD who drink outside these establishments, disturb the peace and leave litter behind.
Col Moodley said the liquor law legislates that taverns may not operate after 2am. He added that inspections of these outlets are carried out but the ultimate responsibility lies with the Liquor Board that issues and withdraws licences.

“We will work with the Liquor Board to ensure that laws are adhered to. Liquor is indeed the biggest generator of crime in South Africa.
The meeting also heard that nationally, the amended Liquor Act allows for drinking in public. Only municipal by-laws can police this anti-social activity. And while Endumeni by-laws have been drawn up and constituted as there are no penalties attached to any of the offences, the court throws all these charges out — and subsequently there is no enforcement.
A businessman operating a once thriving caravan park lamented how excessive loud music from a tavern had driven customers away and despite him lodging numerous complaints with the SAPS and the municipality, nothing had been done to curtail the noise generated. He also claimed that SAPS members patronise the establishment.

Complaints are taken very seriously
Col Moodley said SAPS take every complaint seriously and suggested that the businessman talk to the senior officers after the meeting so his allegations can be investigated.

Karen Glasgow of SAVF Eventide said the home was subjected to mainly school children drinking and using drugs outside the premises on Beaconsfield Street. An empty plot across from the road has been turned into a squatter camp and she feared that this is where crime is generated.
Col Moodley said this plot is an example of environmental factors impacting crime and the community and promised that the Education Department, municipal traffic police and Social Development officials will be contacted to tackle the issue holistically.
Umzinyathi SAPS commissioner, Maj General Frances Slambert joined the meeting late on and said she had full confidence in Col du Plessis ability to turn around Dundee SAPS.

“We don’t have our level in Dundee up where we want it. We will get there. We will be ensuring that there is no justice for all. We are rooting out all the bad elements within the SAPS,†she told the meeting adding that illegal liquor outlets, scrap yards that deal in stolen property, drug dealers and all those who break the law will not sleep.
“I am glad our security company representatives are at this meeting. They work well with us and trust me, we will bring law and order to this town without fear or favour.”

Summing up, Col du Plessis stressed his open-door policy and invited concerned business people to visit him at the Dundee SAPS. He can be contacted directly on 082 566 7185. The Dundee SAPS numbers are 034 2999 700 or 034 2999  786.

HAVE YOUR SAY: Like our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram or email us at dundee.courier@caxton.co.za. Add us on WhatsApp 071 277 1394.