The Gordon’s Bay Neighbourhood Watch (GBNHW) is facing scrutiny following revelations that one of its members, Steve Paul, was arrested last year for unlawful possession of a firearm.
Paul, who reportedly appeared in Strand Magistrates’ Court again last week and was previously the chairperson of the GBNHW, is set to appear again in the coming weeks.
In response to inquiries about the incident and the broader oversight of neighbourhood-watch groups, the provincial Department of Community Safety and Security outlined the stringent vetting and screening processes in place.
According to the department all neighbourhood-watch executive committees and patrollers are mandated to undergo South African Police Service vetting and screening every two years, as stipulated by the Western Cape Community Safety Act of 2013. It said the criteria that would disqualify an individual from becoming or remaining a member of a recognised watch include any awaiting-trial member, for instance, who will not be considered a member until the trial is concluded and they are exonerated. A charge for unlawful possession of a firearm applies here.
“The GBNHW applied for renewal of its accreditation,” Ishaam Davids, the deputy director of communications at the Department of Police Oversight and Community Safety, pointed out.
“Their accreditation renewed on Thursday 3 April, pending the removal of an individual, because of his police vetting showing he was awaiting trial on serious offences. This individual’s removal as a watch member was confirmed by GBNHW chairperson Leon Lottering on Thursday 17 April. He is therefore no longer a member of the GBNHW structure.”
It has also been revealed that Gordon’s Bay police and Gordon’s Bay Security have withdrawn radio-control support from
GBNHW following the charges against Paul. “I can confirm the police and GBSec have removed our radio from their network. I don’t know why…” Lottering told DistrictMail & Helderberg Gazette.
“I can also confirm Steve Paul is no longer a member of the neighbourhood watch and has been completely removed.”
He said another security company has pledged their support of GBNHW and more security partners are being sought.
Donovan Brown, Gordon’s Bay Community Policing Forum (CPF) chairperson, said it’s important for security partners to work in a united front against crime. “There’ll always be issues, but we urge commitment towards our common goal of making our area safer.”
Heyns de Waal of GBSec said radio support to GBNHW was withdrawn due to the seriousness of the charges against the former chairperson and the apparent refusal by the current chairperson to suspend him.
“We met with the current chairperson twice and in both instances we were dissatisfied with the way this matter was being dealt with. When the police removed their radio, we followed suit. We are still there for members and will respond immediately to any call for assistance. We haven’t withdrawn support, just our radio.”
De Waal expressed hope that a new neighbourhood-watch executive committee, expected to be elected this week, will reopen doors of security cooperation.
Paul said he has resigned from GBNHW and assured he is no longer part of the watch. “The members are still my friends and we interact with one another, but it doesn’t mean I am still a member,” he said.
