About 50 Dunoon residents braved the cold and wet weather last week Wednesday to march against crime and call for a police station in their area.
The residents say that for too long they have been ignored by the government.
They are demanding more be done to fight crime in the area and they believe establishing a police station or satellite station will help.
Milnerton station commander Brigadier Marius Stander met the group at the Killarney Depot on Potsdam Road where they handed over a memorandum to him.
Nothemba Maholwana said things had gotten worse in Dunoon in the 15 years she had lived there.
“I feel that the more people that move here, the more issues we face as a community. That is why we need the help of lawmakers. Dunoon is being run by criminals, and we need to take our community back,” she said.
Yanga Nkohla said having a police station in the area would save a lot of time and money for residents.
“A police station or satellite station will minimise the crime in the area because people will just walk to report instead of calling the emergency line and waiting 30 minutes for assistance. It will also save people from walking to Milnerton for little things like certifying copies. It costs R23 to travel to and from the police station. So if it’s around it will make life easier,” said Mr Nkohla.
About 2 000 Dunoon residents signed the memorandum that was given to Brigadier Stander.
The station commander also signed the document in full view of the residents which was met with cheers and applause.
Brigadier Stander said he had taken note of the concerns raised by the residents. He assured them Milnerton SAPS would do all it could to deliver high quality services.
“Unfortunately the establishment of an additional police station does not fall within my mandate, but the memorandum has been sent on to the SAPS provincial head office for further consideration.”
South African Communist Party member Siya Mngolombane, who led the march, said it was just a
“warning shot” and they should be taken seriously.“We will also contact the City of Cape Town as they should also assist in making Dunoon a better place,” he said.
Brigadier Stander said he was glad residents were willing to assist the police against crime.
“I want you guys and community groups to have representatives in the community police forum so that you can be in regular discussion with other stakeholders in the precinct,” he said.