The solution to regulate and police car guards is to form a community-driven structure that will act as a management agent.
That was the synopsis of a follow-up #crimemustfall meeting between representatives of Toti SAPS, Community Police Forum (CPF), security companies, the Community Crime Prevention Organisation (CCPO), ministry of police and the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSIRA) at Toti police station on Tuesday, 29 March.
The problem of unregulated car guards, which leads to opportunistic crime and drug dealing, is of major concern to stakeholders and a solution has to be found in order to eradicate crime in Toti.
CEO of PSIRA, Manabela Chauke said all sectors of society need to be mobilised against crime.
Of particular concern is the high crime rate in Beach Road. “Unless we act soon, Beach Road will become the next Point Road,” said CPF PRO, Tommy Ackermann.
“Anyone involved in the security sector needs to be regulated and vetted or else they are regarded as vagrants according to the new bylaws,” said Chauke.
He proposed Toti stakeholders form a legal structure that will properly vet car guards. In the case of Beach Road this would include businesses, residents and eThekwini Municipality.
“I believe people who want to do this work (guarding cars) must be regulated,” he said. “We need to work together. Guards need to be regulated and identifiable.” At malls the responsibility will be on the centre manager under which the car guards fall.
“We want to assist if the structure is within the law,” concluded Chauke.
Residents are reminded to participate in a peaceful walk against crime as part of the #crimemustfall campaign, which will start from Toti CBD on Saturday, 2 April at 9am and conclude at Hutchison Park at 11am.
A memorandum of understanding that will be handed over to the minister of police, provincial commissioner, MEC of community safety and liaison and other stakeholders.
For more details, contact Maestro Mncibi on 073-424-1950.
