Safety Plan

This section was provided by Uys van der Westhuijzen, Safety Coordinator for Swartland Municipality.

OUTLOOK FOR THE NEXT 5 TO 10 YEARS

There will be an increase of people moving into the Swartland municipal area due to the successes it achieved over the past years with regards to service delivery, community projects and the perceived safe and secure environment due to, amongst others, good governance and cooperation between relevant role players. As a result of an increase in population figures, unemployment in the rural areas will definitely increase as well over the next 5 to 10 years.  Unemployment is inevitable due to the current strained economical and socio-economic welfare environment.  This will definitely lead to an increase in crime which will not only have a negative effect on our secure environment, but also a disastrous effect on much needed investment opportunities in the rural areas.

Another serious situation arising from the successful execution of policing actions in the Metro environment is the relocation of criminal “bases” from the city into the rural areas, affecting not only the rural towns and informal settlements, but also the farming communities. Gang-related so-called “turf wars” will become a reality and can lead to the serious destabilisation of communities if not addressed timeously. This situation will require a strong, well equipped and competent police operating in close cooperation with Swartland Municipality's Law Enforcement / Traffic Department and strong Neighbourhood- and Farm Watches.

The judiciary system is in a downwards spiral. Inadequate investigations, courts not functioning effectively and sentences that do not scare criminals anymore, do not support the effective work of SAPS. Community members have sometimes given up on the reporting of crime due a perceived opinion that “nothing will come of it anyway”. The short to medium term outlook seems that it does pay to do crime.

Many state departments, NGOs, business and community structures keep on operating in silos. The need for a joint, all-inclusive and integrated approach towards crime to attain a common goal, seems not to be a priority. Departments of Education, Labour, Social Services and many others as stated in the National Rural Safety Strategy, must form part of the “fight” against crime. 

Load shedding in the foreseeable future is another factor that will not only have a disastrous effect on the economy of, and investment in, the area, but also contributing towards a substantial increase in crime. Criminals will keep on exploiting the load shedding stages by planning and executing their criminal activities very successfully around the different load shedding schedules. SAPS, communities, businesses, municipalities etc are and will be vulnerable during load shedding due to the interruption of available electricity. The outcome of this will be either slow or many-a-time no response by security companies, SAPS and other responders due to not receiving the request for assistance in time. Theft of infrastructure, housebreaking, theft on/at premises etc are just some examples.  Load shedding will continue to cause amongst others ineffective traffic control and traffic congestion due to traffic lights and other control measures not operational which increases the risk of road accidents, road rage and disobeying of standard traffic rules and regulations.  It is of critical importance that solutions be found to ensure the provisioning of reliable alternative sources of power supply in order to mitigate the risk that load shedding has on safety and security.

The above situation clearly indicates that the criminal environment requires a well-coordinated and holistic approach with the participation of not only SAPS, Law Enforcement and Traffic, but supported by civil society, including amongst others business, agriculture and relevant state departments.   This places an additional burden on an already financially strained community due to the fact that they will again be requested to assist by way of finances, time, resources, etc. to help curb the increase of crime.

MOST IMPORTANT SAFETY ISSUES

• Drug and Alcohol abuse which includes gangs

• Gender Based Violence

• Homeless individuals

• Infrastructure theft

• Illegal structures

• Unemployment

• Stock theft 

CURRENT REALITY

Swartland Municipality needs to take note of the fact that rural communities can be subdivided roughly into three categories, Rural Towns, Rural Informal Settlements and Farming communities, Farming communities can be subdivided into commercial and subsistence farmers. Each entity requires a different approach towards safety and security whilst having similarities in many areas.

The term “Rural Community” is sometimes defined as local towns and informal settlements thereby excluding the farming communities. This perception is enforced by the inadequate visibility of Police, Swartland Municipality Law Enforcement and Traffic presence in the so-called farming areas. This perception needs to be rectified and is it a matter of urgency that elements applicable as stated in the National Rural Safety Strategy be operationalised in these areas.

Drug and substance abuse is a major threat and has become a lucrative “business” not only in the towns but also on the farms.  The theft of farming infrastructure, produce and non-ferrous metal is a direct outcome of the above mentioned crime. The current inadequate visibility of safety and security entities in the farming areas, creates the perception that farms are lucrative targets for criminals.

Neighbourhood- and Farm Watches are present in the different areas in Swartland Municipality's area of responsibility but needs guidance, training and assistance to enable them to expand their footprint. Training such as firefighting and first aid is crucial to ensure that they can re-act as first responders in an emergency whilst waiting for assistance. The Community in Blue system together with these two entities can be utilised as force multipliers with the focus of providing in time information to amongst other prevent crime from happening or apprehending of criminals and addressing community issues before it develops into a serious situation.

The following crime statistics covers Darling, Malmesbury, Moorreesburg and Riebeek SAPS precincts.

ENSURING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE FOR THE SWARTLAND MUNICIPAL AREA

1.  Youth:  There is a serious need to get the youth involved in programs that will keep them out of “crime’s” way, especially over weekends.  This does not only apply to towns, but also to the farming communities.  Sport is one of the best tried and tested methods to counteract this.  It will not only ensure that the youth is kept busy, but it also instils an edge of competitiveness within the individual, the team and/or the area.  Due to this, the participants may develop a sense of responsibility and eagerness to ensure that they will perform well during the sport event, ensuring they will refrain from using drugs or alcohol. These events must be utilised by different role-players like SAPS to regenerate moral values and principles amongst our communities.  Topics like Gender Based Violence, Moral Decline, Teenage Pregnancy, Financial Independence, etc to be exploited.

Suggestion:  A budget needs to be allocated to ensure that our suggestions can be piloted.  The suggestion is to have four events, quarterly.  The success of these events will determine the way forward.  The Departments of Agriculture, Sport, Social Services and other relevant National/Provincial and Local Departments, that pay grants to organisations, must be approached to assist with the budget. Swartland Municipality already runs many well established programmes that can interface with this project.

2.  ANPR Camera Systems:  There are currently 58 Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras in the Swartland municipal area.  Most of these cameras were bought and placed by way of finances provided by business, individuals and communities.  15 of these cameras are currently financially supported through funding allocated by Swartland Municipality.

Communities, in the Swartland municipal area, are already placed under financial strain after having to install ANPR cameras to increase security in their areas.  More cameras will definitely be purchased and placed in specific spots identified to be “problematic areas”, whether inside the towns or in the agricultural, rural areas.

Monitoring costs of these cameras, to ensure everyone’s safety, must be considered to form part of a Rural Safety budget.  This budget must be compiled in cooperation with all the Agri, FW, NHW, NGO’s and other relevant stakeholders who wish to contribute to the extension of the ANPR footprint.

Suggestion: By-laws must be drafted to ensure sharing of information gathered by ANPR systems in Swartland Municipality's public areas. Generic specification of cameras to be drafted to ensure sharing of info can be done between the different platforms.  The enforcement of service providers to participate in the E2 initiative must be investigated.  The strategic placement of this system must be facilitated by the CSF within Swartland Municipality which will send a clear signal to criminals to avoid this area, as already experienced in some of the neighbourhoods in Swartland Municipality.

All service providers, organisations or individuals who wish to place a camera operating in the public domain, must provide the relevant information with regards to the make of the camera, capability, position, owner, contact details and who controls the database, to a specified security-vetted individual as identified by Swartland Municipality.

A well-developed information-sharing platform, integrated with that of the District Municipality and all relevant stakeholders, must be in place to ensure that swift response to a call can happen if and when required.

This will enhance the capability of not only SAPS but also that of Law Enforcement, Traffic and other relevant role-players in addressing crime in a preventative manner rather than a re-active response.

3.  Law Enforcement:  The current reality, with regards to visible policing, is shocking in not only the rural towns in Swartland municipal area, but even worse in the rural, agricultural areas.  This is amongst several other reasons why theft of farm infrastructure and stock are on the increase.  The lack of an adequate number of police vehicles and personnel on the ground are further examples of the deterioration of visible policing.  There is also a perception that the current Law Enforcement as well as K9 and Traffic capability are only available to the rural towns and its communities.  The lack of visibility of policing in the Swartland Municipality rural areas will lead to the further deterioration of an already strained security environment.

Suggestion: The allocation of funds to at least purchase two double cabin utility vehicles must be considered to allow them to be utilised in the Swartland Municipality agricultural areas.  Malmesbury and Riebeek should be grouped as one sector and Moorreesburg and Darling to be grouped as another sector.  This will allow for a swift response capability due to these two sectors being of similar size.  Law Enforcement Reservists/Peace Officers (Volunteers) need to be recruited from within these two sectors because the principle known as “From the Community, For the Community” is a tried and tested practise that shows success in many areas similar to the Swartland municipal region. Budget must be obtained to train and equip these individuals.  Utilisation of individuals as first responders in these areas will be voluntary, thereby no need for funding of salaries.  Visible policing is the most cost effective method to curb crime (crime prevention) compared to response after a crime was committed (crime combating). This will allow for future expansion as well indicating to the agricultural sector that Swartland Municipality Law Enforcement is available and ready to serve both the rural towns and farms.  This will unlock the sharing of resources, personnel and funds and will definitely lead to a “win-win” situation for all. Importantly is the fact that all activities must be intelligence driven enabling pro-active actions and response in an integrated manner. These actions must be supported by an effective justice system (court) with proper sentencing. The development of a Municipal Court needs serious consideration to assist LE to effectively address the current inadequate sentencing of offenders.

4.  Homeless Individuals: The current situation of vagrants, homeless people and loiterers is becoming a major safety and disruptive factor in many of the towns in Swartland municipal area.  Incidents are escalating and may very soon disrupt into not only verbal abuse but physical violence. This situation will have a negative influence on not only the tourism industry, but also scare off possible investors wanting to re-locate from other areas that have already deteriorated due to a nationwide crisis of homelessness.  

Suggestion:  Funds for a continuous awareness campaign must be budgeted for, to inform all members of the community to not provide food, shelter or cash to homeless people and vagrants (adults or children). This campaign must enable relevant entities, business etc., to donate funds and/or deliver produce to a specific fund created and maintained by Swartland Municipality in cooperation with public enterprises, to create a space for these people and to allow for its expansion into the development of a further program where these people can participate in the re-discovery of their dignified humanity.

Swartland Municipality, in cooperation with local businesses and other relevant stakeholders, must consider obtaining possible unoccupied buildings.  These buildings will only serve as a secure place to sleep, shower and where 1 hot meal will be provided for supper.  A similar outreach programme had proven to be a winning recipe during COVID.  This will enable SAPS and Law Enforcement to be able to remove homeless people from the streets whilst providing an alternative living arrangement.

The inclusion of NGOs in cooperation with schools, local government and relevant role-players by means of an integrated and joint approach, might enable the establishment of projects such as food gardens, feeding schemes for old age homes etc that can keep the children busy on a long term basis. These projects not only keep them busy and out of harm’s way, but teaches them how to earn money whilst creating a better community.

5.  Environmental Design:  There is a lack of addressing rural safety pro-actively when town planners and relevant institutions embark on the development and/or extension of towns and other rural spaces.  Examples such as inadequate street lightning, where many workers need to walk to and from work in the early morning and late at night.  Also, bridges and alleys, that can provide shelter or hiding places due to the construction type, can pose as popular spots for criminals and vagrants.  The placement of hospitals, clinics, police stations are amongst the most crucial institutions that need to be properly situated.  Taxi ranks and bus terminals need to be properly investigated to ensure correct placement.  Taxi pick-up points need to be placed strategically to address the needs of pedestrians to prevent them walking long distances creating unnecessary risks, especially to the elderly.

Suggestion:  Town planners, developers and relevant institutions must involve relevant state departments, such as SAPS and civilian organisations by way of public participation processes before embarking on new developments and the issuing of licenses to, amongst others, scrap and second hand dealers as well as liquor outlets, bars and shebeens.  Unused buildings need to be properly secured/blocked off to prevent criminals from stealing and vandalising infrastructure.  The placement of transformers and sub-stations must be strategically placed to make it difficult for criminals to destroy or vandalise these as well.

6.  Petty Crime:  There is a current disrespect and flagrant disregard towards the adherence of law and order as well as a total lack of discipline in the Swartland municipal area.  This leads to, amongst others, the non-adherence of traffic regulations and speed limits, jaywalking, non-payment of fines, urinating and drinking in/on the streets etc.  Loud music and selling of liquor out of residences and premises that are not authorised by the Swartland Municipality, are also one of the many contributing factors leading a community into a complete diminishing of law and order.

This situation can quickly escalate into one where business and members of communities, may decide that a town/area has become too unsafe for its children and too unstable for businesses etc, that they would rather re-locate to a safer environment as has happened in towns in other areas of the RSA.  This will lead to the collapse of many towns and eventually its municipalities.

Suggestion:  Swartland Municipality, through its Law Enforcement as well as Traffic department in cooperation with SAPS and relevant stakeholders, must compile a specific program to address the so-called petty crime in the Swartland municipal area.   These programmes, enforcing by-laws, must be communicated to the public in Swartland Municipality newsletters, attached to its invoices, communicated through the local radio stations and other relevant platforms.  This will create an environment of confidence and trust in the community.  The enforcement of these activities by way of harsh fines or sentences, such as the cleaning of streets, working in the Swartland Municipality community gardens, cleaning of public toilets etc, will contribute in the development of Swartland Municipality into a stable, investment-friendly and prosperous community.

7.  Technology:  The slogan “work smarter not harder” comes to mind when speaking about technology. Personnel cost has become a major challenge for Business as well as for state entities in the safety and security environment. The utilisation of technology is a possible force multiplier when budget constraints prevent the expansion in the HR environment. The utilisation of drones, strategically placed CCTV and ANPR cameras, thermal and night vision equipment, different types of AI systems, information gathering platforms, integrated communication systems to effect response etc are some examples that can contribute to enhancing service delivery in this environment without necessarily increasing personnel.

Suggestion: SM must utilise its network and liaise with applicable role-players and entities in the technology field as well as with other Municipalities to obtain inputs with respect to ways and means to ensure the effective inclusion of technology in the safety and security environment. A centralised operational, information gathering and monitoring centre in cooperation with civilian entities, will enhance response to emergencies, creating safer communities and lead to the restoring of trust in law enforcement agencies such as SM LE and SAPS.