Stringent control needed for gated communities

There is a need for more stringent methods regarding access control in gated areas in Observatory.

According to the secretary of the Sector 3 Yeoville Community Police Forum (YCPF), Mr Joseph Dube, the current methods need improvement.

There have been concerns raised from members of the community regarding the vetting process when entering such areas.

“Because it is a public space, there are no restrictions regarding who can enter or who cannot. The purpose of gated areas is to reduce crime,” said Mr Dube. He said no information was taken from the people entering or leaving the gated areas and that it makes it easy for criminals to operate.

“The methods being used at the access points need to be improved. People who access the gates need to commit, by having their car number plates noted and the use of security cameras needs to be brought in,” said Mr Dube. He said the gated areas are a sign of good intentions by the residents, but he feels the current methods being used can be maximised.

“Security companies charge residents for security and some residents do not pay, simply because they do not subscribe to this method or private security,” said Mr Dube. He said the issue of private security is one that needs to be discussed in detail by residents because currently, everyone is doing what they can.

“In the long term, private security is not sustainable for some because of the costs involved. There needs to be more co-ordination between the SAPS and private security companies,” said Mr Dube. He said the powers of private security companies were limited to making citizens arrests. “In some cases, they themselves can be suspects. Though it is also sometimes the case with the SAPS, at least they have powers to arrest and there are processes of accountability should there be suspicion of wrongdoing,” said Mr Dube.

According to Mr Dube, communities should continue to improve street committees and participation in the YCPF.

“We are faced with a challenge of improving our security. The situation must be made difficult for criminals to operate,” said Mr Dube.

Mr Keith Peacock, who is the chairman of the YCPF, said any discussion on enclosed areas can invoke a heated response.

“Gated communities have been successful in reducing cyclical urban decay and have been successful in reducing crime, not only within the gated communities, by freeing up SAPS resources to focus on other areas,” said Mr Peacock. He added that gated communities also benefit the wider community by creating safer through-fares for students, workers and members of the community.

“Everyone must remember that we are talking about public space, to be used by all members of the community and not the private reserve of those living within any gated communities,” said Mr Peacock.

Constable Thabo Malatji, the spokesperson of the Yeoville SAPS, said everyone in the community needs to contribute in their own way in the fight against crime.

“We understand the purpose of gated communities. They serve a function of monitoring and can also be a deterrent for criminals. Everyone needs to collaborate in making sure all communities are safe,” said Const Malatji.