Citizens on patrol in Marina Beach
A reward of R5 000 is being offered to anybody who can provide information about criminals.
THE ratepayers of Marina Beach are seriously concerned about the ongoing problem of crime in their area.
So much so, that Bruce Watt, chairman of the Marina Beach Ratepayers’ Association, said that at its annual general meeting in June, the association’s committee was given a unanimous ‘go-ahead’ by those present to pursue the implementation of patrolling police reservists.
He said a ratepayer, who is a former police reservist, offered his services and was voted on to the committee to look after the security portfolio.
He explained that this individual had been busy establishing a contact network and a system for rapid information and reaction.
Meanwhile, various residents have also been conducting night time patrols.
“We then embarked on an intense information and request for votes campaign and, in just under three months, have managed to secure the majority vote required by the municipality in order to register Marina Beach as a ‘special rating area’,” he said. This has enabled them to proceed with this initiative.
He pointed out that many ratepayers had been extremely generous with once-off contributions to help with current and future costs. “This is a strong indication of how seriously everyone is taking this situation,” he added.
The problem was highlighted in an article published in the South Coast Herald on September 12, which emphasised the fact that these criminals are becoming more brazen.
After reading an article, Mr Watt said the immediate reaction was to produce a ‘wanted’ poster offering a reward of R5 000 to anybody who could provide confidential information which could lead to the arrest, and the successful conviction of any criminal responsible for crimes in Marina Beach. This has been displayed in prominent locations around the village.
The ‘wanted’ poster has been given the go-ahead by the municipality and the police services.
Mr Watt said Colonel David Govender of the Margate police is ready to provide them with a vehicle for night patrolling.
In the interim, the association has been registered as a Section 21 Company (a municipality requirement) and has been in contact with both the police and municipality in order to see how quickly it could qualify for a ‘special rating area’ status. This would mean it could start collecting an extra R60 per month from every ratepayer, in addition to municipal rates, in order to fund the police reservist project.
Mr Watt said the response had been wonderful and was a perfect example of the community, the municipality and the police services coming together to address a serious situation.
The association has enjoyed the full support of Max Mbili, the municipal manager, who has instructed his staff to make a ‘special rating area’ application as a priority.
HCM Mayor Cynthia Mqwebu, has also given the initiative her support.
