Accredited neighbourhood watches will be allowed to patrol and perform their duties during curfew hours between 9pm and 6am.
Albert Fritz, the provincial Minister of Community Safety, confirmed that neighbourhood watches (NHW) approved by the Department of Community Safety will be allowed to patrol under the new set of lockdown regulations after consultations with the South African Police Service in the Western Cape.
“After consultation with SAPS legal Services, SAPS in the Western Cape confirmed that under the Adjusted Alert Level 3 Regulations that NHWs can function, provided all relevant protocols are adhered to. To do so, NHWs must be issued with permits and on their person at all times whilst performing duties,” said Fritz.
The Department has received the necessary template used to issue permits to NHW. Fritz encouraged NHW chairpersons’ to reach out to the Department’s NHW unit and apply because their current permits are no longer valid.
The previous permits are no longer valid because the regulation has changed.
“The new Regulation in terms of Movement of persons is Regulation 33(1) (b) read with Regulation 82(1) (b),” said Fritz.
He added: “NHWs can continue to utilize the permit as provided by the Department of Community Safety to patrol. It is essential that NHWs continue to patrol during the curfew hours as we know that these are the times in which crimes such as robberies and burglaries take place.”
Should you have any further questions on whether your NHW structure can operate or on obtaining permits for members of your accredited NHW structure, you may contact the Department of Community Safety’s NHW unit by emailing [email protected].
Picture: Neighbourhood Watch Bulletin