Support policing forum to address beach crime
People who travel in and out of Toti who might not have been affected by any criminal activity and might hold Toti in high regard
EDITOR – ‘Beach crime sparks fears for Toti tourism’, but personal agendas threaten the image of Toti.
Firstly allow me to concur with the reality that crime has reached a level to which not only the police but residents of Amanzimtoti need to be concerned about.
I quote SAP Toti station commander, Col Mkhize during a Community Policing Forum meeting ‘one crime is one crime too many in my books’.
These words constantly reminds me that unless we all recognise the role we play as citizens, these resounding words shall remain just that.
Having said that, what is of great concern is the lack of organisations like Sapphire Coast Tourism (SCT) to personally participate in public meetings of the SAP or even make use of the personal invite Col Mkhize has extended to call him at any given time on his personal contact number, yet they found it relevant to pronounce themselves and their dissatisfaction in the newspapers through their chairman, Kim McCarthy.
Let me remind Mrs McCarthy there are people who travel in and out of Toti who might not have been affected by any criminal activity and might hold Toti in high regard, yet your popularisation and attention-seeking stunt might have made them aware of crime and its effect.
You go as far as even mentioning International guests.
In your own words ‘I personally demanded (delusion of grandeur) a public service from the police station on Sunday, 7 July, but it was only during Cpt Sunker’s night shift when we received some positive attention after ward 97 Cllr, Andre Beetge intervened’.
I find this extremely difficult to stomach and digest. And herewith my reasons, the mere fact you feel the relevance to make it known that Beetge ‘saved the moment’ specifically because he himself failed to attend CPF meetings for the past two months and it also reveals you have been co-opted into his small circle of supporters against anything to do with government while your organisation’s main funder is local government.
In conclusion, you are doing more harm to Toti and its image, by taking your agendas to the papers.
Rather, let’s meet on the streets where you will find citizens who take it upon themselves to assist the police rather than shouting from the hilltop.
Think before you scream victim because the real victim becomes Toti and its people.
To Toti SAP, we are all fully aware of the demanding responsibilities you hold, that a collective contribution with public support, will curb the criminal element.
I am looking forward to seeing Mrs McCarthy at the next sitting of the SAP Toti CPF on 19 August at 5pm.
TOMMY ACKERMANN
