Article re-cap
- The Somerset West Community Association is calling for increased law enforcement and coordinated security to address illegal occupation in the Helderberg area.
- Residents have reported drug use, vandalism, assault, and environmental destruction in De Beers Park, the Old Bridge area, and the Lourens River Protected Natural Environment.
- The Somerset West Community Association suggests that fencing and access control could protect local areas from degradation, similar to methods used elsewhere in Cape Town.
- City law enforcement officials state that officers are deployed on day and night shifts, including weekends and public holidays, to conduct regular patrols.
The Somerset West Community Association is calling for increased law enforcement and coordinated security to address illegal occupation and criminal activity in the Helderberg area.
Michelle Engelbrecht, founding director of the Somerset West Community Association, stated that residents have reported open drug use, public urination, vandalism, assault, and environmental destruction in areas such as De Beers Park, the Old Bridge area, and the Lourens River Protected Natural Environment.
According to the association, while evictions require court orders under the Prevention of Illegal Eviction from and Unlawful Occupation of Land Act, criminal activities like drug offences, theft, and intimidation fall within the mandate of the South African Police Service.
The association noted that the Helderberg has become a destination for unlawful occupation because by-law enforcement after hours is virtually non-existent, allowing criminal elements to facilitate drug dealing.
Engelbrecht suggested that fencing and access control have been used in other parts of Cape Town to protect areas from degradation, but similar proposals for local parks and the Lourens River have faced resistance.
Wayne Dyason, a spokesperson for the City's law enforcement, said the department deploys officers on day and night shifts, including weekends and public holidays, to conduct regular patrols and enforce municipal by-laws.
Frequently asked questions
What specific criminal activities are residents reporting in the Helderberg area?
Residents have reported open drug use, public urination, vandalism, assault, and environmental destruction occurring in areas including De Beers Park, the Old Bridge area, and the Lourens River Protected Natural Environment, according to the Somerset West Community Association.
Why does the Somerset West Community Association say the Helderberg has become a destination for illegal occupation?
The association states that by-law enforcement after hours is virtually non-existent in the Helderberg, which allows criminal elements to facilitate drug dealing and other unlawful activities in the area.
What solutions has the Somerset West Community Association proposed to protect local areas?
Michelle Engelbrecht suggested that fencing and access control, which have been used successfully in other parts of Cape Town, could protect local parks and the Lourens River from degradation, though these proposals have faced resistance locally.
What does the City's law enforcement say about their patrol operations in the Helderberg?
Wayne Dyason, a City law enforcement spokesperson, stated that the department deploys officers on both day and night shifts, including weekends and public holidays, to conduct regular patrols and enforce municipal by-laws in the area.
Which laws apply to illegal occupation versus criminal activities in the Helderberg?
Illegal occupation requires court orders under the Prevention of Illegal Eviction from and Unlawful Occupation of Land Act, while criminal activities such as drug offences, theft, and intimidation fall within the mandate of the South African Police Service.
Source: bolanderlifestyle.co.za
