Controversy over Drakenstein Municipality’s (DM) awarding of a community safety tender to Bokwe Security has once again erupted – prompted this time by the firm’s alleged negligent care of their security dogs.
In an urgent email sent to DM officials on Monday afternoon, proportional councillor Stephan Landsberg called their attention to a Bokwe Security dog that was locked in his cage during soaring temperatures of nearly 40°C without food or water at Weltevrede Sports Grounds.
He described the situation as “utterly barbaric”, and added he had sent someone to give the watchful companion some food and drink.
In DM’s response to Paarl Post, Executive Director of Community Services Gerald Esau confirmed the dog was under the ownership and care of Bokwe Security.
“According to Bokwe Security Services, it manages its dogs in accordance with the provisions of the Performing Animals Protection Amendment Act (PAPA) licence. It is their responsibility to ensure the well-being of the dogs, in addition to supplying enough food, water and shelter.”
Similar complaints against the security company were lodged a few months ago, in which a complainant alleged that last year no fewer than three of Bokwe’s security dogs had died on duty while securing municipal property.
“What is more concerning is that Drakenstein Security & CCTV Room (Pty) Ltd had on numerous occasions alerted the DM to the fact that Bokwe Security had not been [sufficiently] responsive to be awarded the relevant tender, as they did not have the required PAPA-licence for rendering of guard-dog services.”
In response, Esau said two confirmed deaths of dogs in the service of Bokwe Security were brought to the attention of the State Veterinarian.
“The owner of the dogs is responsible for the care of their animals,” he said. The State Veterinarian, in conjunction with the DM, keeps a watchful eye on Bokwe Security to ensure PAPA conditions are followed.”
Landsberg also went on to argue that these are signs Bokwe Security guards lacked the skills to perform according to standard.
“I suggest the company’s terms and conditions be reviewed urgently and, if necessary, its services suspended.
“Firstly, there was the murder on Wellington Dump Site to which DM has not supplied feedback regarding ongoing investigations, and now this.”
This is in reference to an incident in which a Bokwe Security guard shot dead a man at the Wellington Dump Site who allegedly tried to attack him on 25 December 2021.
There are also disputes surrounding use of the firearm in the incident as well as the guard’s Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority membership.
When previously asked to comment about the incidents, Bokwe Security said that they only answer to the Drakenstein Municipality, as they are employed by them.
