[WATCH] Crime fighters’ beach HQ: Mitchells Plain patrollers get a new base and bicycles
REWARD: Rocklands Neighbourhood Watch and Portlands B Block patrollers at the upgraded security facility at Mnandi. Picture supplied
Mitchells Plain crime fighters have been given a major boost in their mission to keep their communities safe.
On Thursday the Rocklands Neighbourhood Watch (RNW) was allocated a revamped base on Mnandi Beach, which will be used by their members 24 hours, seven days a week.
The RNW as well as Portlands Block B members, were also given safety equipment and bikes, to help them patrol communities in the Plain.
Ward 79 Councillor Daniel Christians and MEC for Community Safety Albert Fritz handed over the building and equipment to over 30 excited members of the two groups, who said they can't wait to combat crime with their new wheels.
Clarence Trouncel, 68, is one of the longest-serving members of the RNW, which will now be moving from its old HQ at Cedar High School.
“We are grateful to get these resources and now we can do an even better job this festive season,” he said.
Councillor Christians said: “We also hope that this will enhance the tourism industry for our community in that we will now attract the big tourism companies to visit Mnandi Beach during and after the festive season.
“I also want to help protect and preserve our coastlines now that we will have more visibility.”
Minister Fritz commended the members who faithfully serve their communities.
“This is a well deserved reward for your hard work and everything you put in.
“It’s great to see authorities on all levels working together, there is no time to fight with each other,” he said.
“From my side, we will also try to assist and be part of future projects.”
Marco Boer, the Community Safety liaison officer for the City of Cape Town, will be based at an office in the building.
“We are formally handing over this facility to the neighbourhood watch and also taking this time out to award the RNW for their hard work and dedication and also giving them the ward allocations put aside by the ward councillor.
“The equipment is a little token to say thank you for your hard work,” he said.
The building overlooks the beach and the Mnandi Resort.
Visible patrols will be done day and night at the beach and also around the Rocklands and Portlands area.