Check points make massive difference
Further road blocks were set up at various points along the coast, which were manned by teams of civilians.
As a result of the unprecedented violent protests in KZN and the very real threats against the towns of Port Shepstone, the Umtentweni Community Police Forum (CPF) activated its membership, as well as the broader society, to very quickly set up its community defence structures to protect the town from looting and destruction.
Further road blocks were set up at various points along the coast, which were manned by teams of civilians.
Selvan Chetty, chairman of the Tweni Community Police Forum, said there is no doubt that the quick action of the combined efforts of the community leaders and CPFs working with Saps and Law Enforcement helped minimise damage and protect the towns especially Marburg and Port Shepstone.
He said that the Tweni CPF apologises to the public for any inconvenience caused by the various checkpoints during this very difficult time, but explained that its main task was to assist the law enforcement agencies in ensuring the safety and security of the town and all its citizens.
As a result of what may appear to some as drastic measures, the joint security plan by both Saps, RNM law enforcement, CPFs, business and community members contributed to Port Shepstone being one of the only towns left intact in a radius of about 50km.
Among other things, these checkpoints found hundreds of thousands of rands of looted or stolen items, stolen cars, weapons, stolen police uniforms among them.
He thanked the members of the broader public who so overwhelmingly supported their call to assist us in this time of need.
“Our community defence structures comprised ordinary citizens of all races performing an extraordinary task.”
“We salute you brave men and women, young and old who rose to the challenge to defend our town and the rule of law. Special thanks must go out to the taxi drivers and their owners as well as Santaco for their total commitment towards ensuring a safe and secure environment for our town and communities.”
He thanked all local businesses in Tweni and Port Shepstone Business Forum, as well as the volunteers, who in one way or another helped keep our various checkpoints staffed, fed and resourced .
On the negative, they have noted concerns of isolated incidents of racial undertones at some of their checkpoints and they have assured the public that they will not tolerate any form of racism from any of their volunteers.
To prevent such incidents again we are working with police to ensure that the checkpoints have law enforcement members and or SAPS members present during operations.
Going forward, members of Umtentweni CPF will remain on high alert whilst working with the SAPS and law enforcement agencies .
He said they will evaluate their position in the coming days and depending on gathered intelligence as well as other considerations make a determination on scaling down or phasing out of some of their checkpoints, however until and unless advised otherwise by Saps in consultation with other stakeholders in the security cluster.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like the South Coast Herald’s Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram
