UPDATE: Backlash continues
HONEYDEW - Many people are unhappy after a recent statement by Honeydew CPF warning about vigilante groups.
After the recent article from the Honeydew police and the National Community Policing Forum (CPF) Board, stating that all neighbourhood watch groups, residents’ associations and block-watch structures must fall within their relevant CPF stations and sector structures, there has been feedback from different groups, making it clear that they are unhappy.
It stated that all these structures must be registered with the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSiRA) or Saps as service providers or security officers. It was further advised that no private firearms may be carried while performing neighbourhood watch duties.
A statement by AfriForum said that they have informed the public that the registration of neighbourhood watches with the CPF or with PSiRA, is unfounded. “The statement in no way corresponds with the South African Police Act, nor the national policy framework of CPFs. It also deprives members of the public of their constitutional right to freedom of association,” said Ian Cameron, AfriForum’s head of Community Safety.
Cameron added that the CPFs have no authority over the public or any other voluntary crime prevention action. “The South African Police Act, 1995 (Act no. 68 of 1995) stipulates that the police must accept and support organisations similar to neighbourhood watches, security networks and CPFs as crime prevention initiatives, as long as everyone acts within the framework of the law,” he explained.
There were many residents who had also, via comments on the article on the Roodepoort Northsider’s website, expressed their unhappiness. Ian Coetzee said on behalf of the SE6 patrol, “Let me categorically state that no existing legislation requires any neighbourhood watch to register with the PSiRA, the CPF or the police, as claimed in this article. I am, however, aware that talks around introducing such legislation have been discussed, but it is still a far way off.”
Paul du Preez also commented and said, “Criminals may carry weapons and walk the streets freely but I must be registered and fingerprinted to drive around in my own neighbourhood?” he asked, angrily.
Chairperson of the Honeydew CPF, Tony Botes made it clear to the Roodepoort Northsider that it was not the Honeydew CPF who made these rules; they are made at a provincial level. He added that this is not final as yet, as it is currently in discussion. “These groups need to know how to perform their duties responsibly,” said Botes.
He used the example of speeding to explain. “Ninety per cent of people keep to the speed limit, but the other 10 percent do not. Not all people who have drivers’ licences, know how to drive; the same applies to firearm licences.” He added that it is needed to keep neighbourhood watch groups in check and advised that they should work with the police. “There are also many positive aspects, one being, if you are a registered patroller, you can enjoy the benefits of life insurance,” concluded Botes.
Honeydew CPF, public relations officer, Jon Rosenberg said that he was shocked at the personal attack on him and disgusted by some of the comments. “There are at least 12 cases where I am considering laying libel charges. These people don’t know me from a bar of soap and haven’t a clue as to what I have done for this community for more than 30 years,” he said, adding that he didn’t write the memo, but was merely the messenger who was asked to disseminate the contents thereof.
Details: Honeydew CPF, infoho@honeydew-cpf.org.za
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