Overstrand Municipality has confirmed that the mobile safety kiosk at Rotary Way is no longer in operation, but has given the assurance other measures have been put in place to address safety issues at this popular landmark.
Safety at tourist attractions such as Rotary Way and Fernkloof Nature Reserve have come under the spotlight in recent months following incidents during which visitors were attacked and robbed of their possessions.
In the most recent incident, an American woman was robbed of her backpack containing important bank cards, passport and other possessions while she was enjoying the view from the lookout point with a friend.
Local police and Overstrand Law Enforcement officers and members of Afriforum Alfa Neighbourhood responded to the scene, but the perpetrators managed to escape despite an extensive search involving drones and the Overstrand Law Enforcement K9 unit.
Lourens Theron, chairperson of Afriforum Alfa Neighbourhood Watch, said the time that lapses before victims manage to get hold of authorities is the biggest stumbling block when it comes to apprehending criminals.
“By the time we get the call, the criminals have already left,” he said.
Overstrand Municipality introduced mobile safety kiosks at Rotary Way and Fernkloof last year to address this problem. In addition to this, 18 safety monitors were also appointed to patrol Fernkloof Nature Reserve.
Both these projects have since come to a halt as the staff involved were appointed on a temporary contract basis and these contracts have since expired.
Overstrand Municipal Manager Dean O’Neill stated: “The mobile kiosk is currently not in operation. The kiosks were staffed with temporary personnel whose contracts lapsed at the end of the municipal financial year.
“The municipality is in the process of appointing new monitors as the contract for the safety monitors ended on 30 June 2023. The process should be completed soon.”
He gave the assurance that other temporary safety measures have been put in place at these tourist attractions. This involves law enforcement officers being deployed to do foot patrols in these areas until the new safety monitors can be appointed.
“In addition, K9 training sessions have also been held at Fernkloof premises for visibility,” O’Neill stated.
“Daily patrols and ‘blitzes’ are conducted by the field rangers to monitor all hot spots. Scheduled and unscheduled foot patrols are done by Law Enforcement teams. The municipality is also busy setting up permanent safety kiosks that will be staffed by trained personnel who will assist hikers with safety-related matters.”
Members of the public are urged to always exercise caution and to avoid walking or hiking alone.
“Rather walk in groups as there is safety in numbers,” was O’Neill’s advice. “Do not carry large amounts of cash and refrain from carrying valuable possessions (like cameras and jewellery) in plain sight. Always be vigilant and aware of your surroundings.”
He added that role-players in the hospitality industry also have a role to play by warning visitors about crime hot spots and providing them with important emergency contact numbers.
In case of an emergency you can contact Overstrand Emergency Safety Services Control Room on 028 312 2400, the Hermanus Public Protection (HPP) 24/7 call centre on 087 550 5295 or Hermanus Police Station on 028 313 5300.
