Command centre focuses on crime prevention in Margate
The facility will serve as an operational base for Saps and RNM law enforcement to cater to the needs of residents and holidaymakers, in and around the Margate CBD and beachfront areas.
Law enforcement, along with government officials from Ray Nkonyeni Municipality (RNM), attended the opening of the new Joint Operational Command Centre at Margate beachfront on Tuesday this week.
The centre overlooks the children’s swimming pool and previously served as offices for tourism.
The renovated facility has two holding cells and will serve as an operational base for Saps and RNM law enforcement to cater to the needs of residents and holidaymakers, in and around the Margate CBD and beachfront areas.
“Saps and law enforcement work well together. You cannot separate them, there is glue between the two because law enforcement’s mandate is not just about traffic management, it’s also about crime prevention and bylaw enforcement. In terms of the law, we are empowered and have a role to play in protecting the community,” said Max Mbili, RNM municipal manager.
Other dignitaries included RNM Mayor Nomusa Mqwebu, Margate Business Association chairman Jo-Anne Wentzel, Margate Ratepayers’ and Residents’ Association member Surina Smuts, superintendent of RNM law enforcement Sfiso Ngcaku and Margate Saps station commander, Brigadier William Slabbert.
They welcomed the opening of the new facility and agreed it was a step in the right direction towards elevating South Coast tourism to international status.
“Today is a day to be celebrated. We are seeing our efforts turning into reality. One of the key objectives for us is working together which is in the constitution,” said Superintendent Ngcaku.
Mayor Mqwebu officially cut the ribbon and urged Margate Saps to continue setting an example for other police stations.
“I want us to teach other station commanders to do things like this, and if we can continue on this path, things will be much better,” she said.
In spite of the announcement of beaches being closed on public holidays, the roads going into Panorama Parade were not closed yesterday (16th).
However, the roads will be closed on December 25 and 26 and onwards and those who have permits may use them for those days.
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