Minister Fritz meets with Garden Route safety stakeholders to address crime | Western Cape Government

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Minister Fritz meets with Garden Route safety stakeholders to address crime

15 October 2019

Today, the Minister of Community Safety, Albert Fritz, hosted a workshop on the Provincial Needs and Priorities (PNP) and Safety Plan at George Civic Centre, Garden Route. 

Minister Fritz said, “Communities within the Garden Route District Municipality are affected by murder, assault, robbery, burglary, sexual offences, gender based violence, possession of dangerous weapons, and malicious damage to property. Alcohol and illicit substances are significant contributors to these issues. It is incredibly important that discussions taking place today and tomorrow yield safety strategies and solutions which address these issues and ensure our safety whether at home, work, on the road or elsewhere.”

Over the course of the two-day workshop, discussions will focus on the:

  • Need for early warning systems and the implementation of a safety plan;
  • Analysis on crime trends and safety challenges;
  • Provincial and district safety priorities; and
  • Determination of PNPs.

Representatives from various levels of government, South African Police Services, SALGA, Community Policing Forums and Neighbourhood Watches, civil society and interest groups were in attendance.

“This workshop provides great insight into the extent of crime in the Garden Route District and allows for the necessary stakeholders to determine their Policing Needs and Priorities. Feedback from the workshop will be included in a report by my Department and will be submitted to the national Minister for Police, Bheki Cele, who will take it into consideration when resource allocation to the province is considered. In turn, this will allow policy-makers, such as myself, to actively participate in the prioritisation of safety issues in the Garden Route,” said Minister Fritz.

Minister Fritz further added, “Thus far, we have conducted four of the five PNP sessions in the province’s district municipalities. PNP workshops have taken place in the Cape Winelands, Overberg, Central Karoo and now the Garden Route; the last of which will take place along the West Coast. We have made progress in the form of transfer payment agreements which were signed with all five districts. Funds for the first year have already been transferred. Currently, the Department is in the process of drafting safety plans.”

Under the leadership of Minister Albert Fritz, the Department of Community Safety will continue to use every tool at its disposal to improve the safety of residents in the Western Cape.

Attention broadcasters, please find English audio clip attached.

Media Enquiries: 

Cayla Ann Tomás Murray
Spokesperson for Minister Albert Fritz
Tel: 021 483 8550
Cell: 064 121 7959
Email: Cayla.murray@westerncape.gov.za