Zero-tolerance and safety-focused approach during season
Knysna mayor Mark Willemse welcomed visitors to Knysna during a “friendly” roadblock on the N2 on Friday 14 December. Accompanied by traffic, fire, environmental and social development officials, Willemse handed out goodie bags to the motorists and reminded them to take precautionary measures on the road and to not drink and drive. A zero-tolerance approach will be maintained throughout the season. Regular multi-agency roadblocks will be held. Transgressors will be faced with the full extent of the law.
The safety of our residents and visitors are first and foremost, not only on our roads but also at our beaches and public amenities. Knysna Municipality is geared to provide residents and visitors with exceptional services throughout this summer season.
"To assist in dealing with the heavy traffic flow, 30 temporary point-duty officials have been appointed. Our Law Enforcement will continue with their usual patrols in Knysna and Sedgefield CBDs. An additional 40 officers will be temporarily employed to monitor all beaches, camping sites and braai areas," the mayor continued, adding, "Additional staff will clean the CBD and other selected areas daily, including camping sites and popular beaches within the greater municipal area.
Service providers have been appointed to assist municipal staff with cleaning and maintaining public ablution facilities, picnic areas and refuse bins." – Supplied
Bitou also ready for the season
Meanwhile, in Bitou teamwork is at the core of the town's plan to give residents and the thousands of visitors to the town a safe experience over the festive season. “We have an integrated festive season plan in place. It speaks to our local law enforcers, external players including the public order police, K9-unit and cluster teams,” police spokesperson Captain Marlene Pieterse said. She added that their primary focus would be on days where visitor numbers peak. “The operation activities will focus on high visibility and preventative actions and also tracing operations.”
She added that both visible policing members and detective teams will be working overtime to ensure the safety of the community as well as its visitors. The town's police station commander Colonel Nolan Michaels said the community could also play a role in the town’s safety, and provided a few tips to residents and visitors to keep in mind over the festive season.
Don't leave any valuables visible in vehicles. “Take all your belongings with you or lock all valuables in the boot of your car or behind the seat if it is a bakkie," he said.
Don't leave belongings unsupervised when visiting the beach. “Never swim alone on a deserted beach or walk alone in deserted areas,” Michaels added.
Always close all windows and lock all doors and security gates when leaving your home or accommodation establishment. “Always park your car in an attended parking lot and constantly be on the lookout for suspicious characters,” he concluded.
In an emergency, phone the Plettenberg Bay police on 044 501 1900 or the Plettenberg Bay Crime Prevention Association (PBCPA) on 082 251 8134.
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