The Ocean View police chief is encouraging residents to join the area’s neighbourhood watch groups to help combat crime.
Lieutenant Colonel Rewayne Muller’s call follows the sentencing of a 34-year-old man, Dominic Adams, in the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court, in December last year. He received a 25-year prison sentence for the murder of 23-year-old Simone Staggie, in April, according to court records.
Captain Clive Schaffer, from Ocean View police, told the Echo that community members had reported seeing a man with bloodstained clothes on the day of the incident.
Captain Schaffer said that following a police search, Adams had turned himself in to the Ocean View police three days after stabbing and setting fire to the woman in the mountain area above Ocean View.
“This is a milestone that I hope will inspire greater collaboration between law enforcement and the community,” Lieutenant Colonel Muller said.
The police were dedicated to working with the community, he said.
“We are here to serve and protect, but we can only be as effective as the support we receive from the community. When we work together, we can achieve positive outcomes that benefit everyone.”
Greater community involvement could lead to more criminals facing justice for their crimes, he said.
Ocean View Community Police Forum chairman Mansoer Ismail said: “I’ve seen first-hand how residents stepping up and becoming part of the watch can make a real difference. It’s not just about preventing crime, but also fostering a sense of unity and shared responsibility within our community.“
The Echo joined Lieutenant Colonel Muller and Warrant Officer Louise Louw-Steenkamp at 4.30am as they met up with watch members for a patrol shift in the area.
Yolanda Davids, who has been part of the Sevens watch for eight years, said they started their day at 4.45 am, stationed along the bus route, and finished the shift by 9am. After a break, they start again around 2pm and keep watch until 5 pm.
She said they wanted to make sure children felt safe while going to and from school.
A member of the Ghost Town watch, Haijera Karriem, said: “Many innocent people have been shot here in Ocean View. I lost my son seven years ago; he was just sitting on the side of the road. I’m here to be visible and do my part to help keep the community safe.”
Brenndan-Lee Ceylon, 19, joined the Ghost Town watch, six months ago and aspires to fill Lieutenant Colonel Muller’s position one day.
“I want to sit in that seat.That is my dream,” he said, adding that other young people should join the watch to make the community a better place. “That’s what we need. We need the old Ocean View back.”
