Fighting the criminal elements operating on the Muizenberg / St James walkway requires multiple approaches. In addition to the MID’s ongoing collaboration with Metrorail to clean up hotspots, we’re very pleased to tell you that on Thursday 14 September Councillor Aimee Kuhl introduced the MID public safety team and MCSI’s Chair to two new dedicated Auxiliary Law Enforcement Officers whose focus will be on patrolling the walkway between Muizenberg and Kalk Bay.
Officers Lucinda and Troy report directly to the Marine Unit, and are funded by Ward 64, for Ward 64. This allocation of Ward funds is in an attempt to increase Law Enforcement visibility in the area.
The Kalk Bay / St James SRA and MID have a close working relationship when it comes to both public safety and social development matters affecting our areas. Through liaison with both MID and the Kalk Bay / St James SRA it was identified that a dedicated presence is required on the walkway to boost safety. These officers will also boost MID efforts when it comes to resources required for Joint Operations.
We’d like to thank Councillor Kuhl for investing in public safety.
Officer Lucinda Petersen (centre) and Officer Troy Haddon (left) pictured here with the MID Public Safety Team,
Councillor Aimee Kuhl and MCSI Chair Henrik Daugbjerg.
Please remember to take adequate safety measures when using the walkway:
- “Stash it, don’t flash it” – take as little as possible with you, and keep all valuables, cellphones and wallets hidden
- Never walk alone, preferably walk in a group of 3 or 4 – or choose a time when the walkway is being heavily used by other walkers
- Keep an eye on who is ahead of you and behind you, be aware of your surroundings
- If you are in any doubt, rather postpone your walk until a safer time when there are more people around: the crimes we are seeing on the walkway are particularly violent – it’s not worth taking chances