‘Combat crime in CBD, but within ambit of the law’ – RNM
Upon the inception of the initiative by South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO), a decrease in incidents of crime was noticed in Port Shepstone CBD.
The Ray Nkonyeni Municipality (RNM) says it has noted the events that have been unfolding in
Port Shepstone CBD which are related to crime.
The escalation of crime that took place after the Port Shepstone Taxi Rank was moved to a
temporary taxi rank due to the construction of the Port Shepstone Intermodal Facility did not go
unnoticed by the RNM.
Simon April, RNM spokesman, said there were several incidents of common robberies, bag snatching, pick-pocketing, assault and other crimes that escalated within the CBD.
This then led to internal and external engagements by and with relevant stakeholders including the South African Police Services (SAPS) and South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) on the course for action.
Whilst RNM and SAPS were engaging on how they will increase personnel to assist in curbing crime in the CBD, SANTACO indicated it wanted to assist in fighting crime in the Port Shepstone CBD and had arranged that all taxi associations within Ugu would contribute towards this initiative.
During the engagement where SANTACO indicated its readiness to assist in curbing crime, it was categorically stated that vigilantism will not be tolerated in those efforts of both preventing and fighting crime.
April said that upon the inception of the initiative by SANTACO, a decrease in incidents of crime was noticed and members of the public started appreciating the change of atmosphere in the CBD due to low levels of crime.
“Coupled with that and sadly so, then incidents of assaults were reported, and videos of alleged criminals being assaulted started to circulate on social media and other media platforms, including the recent horrific video of two women being assaulted.”
As a result of the above, the RNM together with SAPS has once again recently met with the leadership of SANTACO to reiterate the constitutional mandate of government law enforcement agencies and that it supports initiatives directed at combating crime but only if those are done within the ambits of the law.
In this meeting, April said it was also highlighted that the recent incidents will be investigated and requested cooperation to allow the law to take its course.
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