Serious crime declines in Uvongo
Uvongo Community Safety Forum had good news for members at its AGM.
CRIME is still a very real issue in Uvongo, but the upside is that the more serious cases like murder and rape have declined this past year.
Speaking at the recent Uvongo Community Safety Forum annual general meeting, chairman Ernest Booysen expressed his appreciation to everyone who had helped to reduce serious crime by supporting the forum over the past year.
He thanked his committee members for their hard work. Special thanks also went to SAPS sector commander Warrant Officer Leonard Celliers who always responded to calls and who never failed in his responsibility towards the Uvongo Community Forum.
During the past year the forum had been involved in many successful community projects, said Mr Booysen. Several bush clearing operations had been conducted with the help of the SAPS, Hibiscus Coast Municipality Protection Services, local security companies and forum members.
Further good news from Mr Booysen was that more block watches had been established, identity tags had been issued to block watch members and vehicle revolving lights had increased the visibility of patrols. A vulnerable persons’ list had been compiled, identifying those in need of additional care. Numerous arrests had resulted from the use of the mobile Reconyx cameras, he said.
Mr Booysen was re-elected as chairman. Willie Maree will serve as vice-chairman, Barry Smit will continue to serve as secretary and Angi Maree will take over as treasurer. Other committee members are Gert Lutge, Lucky Rambally, Gerhard Roos, Simon Geldenhuys, Gussie Badenhorst, Lewis Colman and Melt van Niekerk
A member of the Nolengeni radio group, which Mr Booysen said was working well, told the meeting about the project. He said there were currently 19 radios operating as part of the group. A morning and evening check was done to ensure that all was in order. If an incident occurred, radio communication was established immediately and action was taken.. Residents who were interested in joining the group should contact Dr. Piet Kruger at 0827815133.
Uvongo residents who attended the meeting complained that the 14-day eviction notice, served by the Hibiscus Coast Protection Services in February last year to vagrants occupying an illegal structure near the corner of Headingley Street and Lilliecrona Boulevard, had been ignored. Vagrants were still occupying the structure. The committee assured the meeting that action would be taken and feedback given at the next meeting.
Another subject that came under discussion was a request from members of the recently dissolved Manaba Crime Prevention Forum to join the Uvongo forum. The meeting agreed that they could join as a block watch that would be part of the forum’s activities.
Concern was expressed about faulty street lights in the Uvongo area and Mr Booysen said residents should contact the secretary, Mr Smit at 082 7845391 to report these.
A Uvongo resident also warned about a group of young loiterers on the streets of Uvongo, who appeared to be engaging in criminal activities. He warned those at the meeting to be extra careful about keeping doors and windows locked. The meeting was also informed that police were looking for occupants of a white Corsa bakkie who appeared to be involved in criminal activities in various areas on the South Coast.
Uvongo residents were urged to attend the forum’s monthly meetings. The next meeting would be at Uvongo Library on Monday, May 12 at 5.30pm.
