DESPITE guard huts and boom gates already visible in some areas, the eThekwini Council has dismissed a motion calling for a policy dedicated to the regulation of these privately funded security measures.
The motion which was brought by Durban North councillor, Shaun Ryley who requested the Security and Emergency Services Committee to look into drafting an official policy on these security measures.
In his application Ryley said,”As violent crime escalates across the country, many communities within eThekwini are constantly looking for ways to strengthen safety and security in their neighbourhoods.”
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Recent crime statistics showed that house robberies in Durban North and other suburbs had doubled in the past financial year. What’s more business robberies increased by 150 per cent.
According to Ryley, currently the City’s bylaws have no set rules when it comes to the installation of access control in residential areas.
He went on to say the motion was voted down without any debate other than his own motivation.
“There are communities around the city that have erected guard huts and boom gates. Some of them have been taken down but the problem is that there is no policy or bylaw that regulates how it all works. That’s what the request was for. To have a policy that says this is what you can do, this is what you can’t,” said Ryley.
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He went on to say there are other cities around the country where similar security measures have been implemented privately which are in line with the constitution.
In September this year the City of Johannesburg approved a revised Security Access Restriction Policy. Among other things the policy compels the public using certain city roads to sign in at boom entrances.
Ryley added, “The mistake that most people make is thinking this is to restrict access to people. But all it is, is just a measure for crime prevention.”
He said the DA would continue to explore other avenues to assist communities in curbing escalating crime.
“The fact of the matter is SAPS and Metro Police are under resourced. An addition to security measure will have a huge impact on crime in our area,” he said.
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