We had a serious protest action in Plettenberg Bay yesterday which closed the N2, and although the SAPS were on hand, their lack of police intervention is a deep concern to residents and business owners, as well as all ratepayers.  Protests on the N2 prevented workers going to work, businesses were closed, protests turned into looting, malicious damage occurred in the industrial area, all with POPS looking on with knowledge of who the known instigators are, but making no arrests.

In response, Plett Ratepayers chairman Neville Petersen had a discussion with Premier Winde early this morning and the Ratepayers Association have undertaken the following actions:

• written a detailed report to the Western Cape MEC of Community Safety, detailing the problems Plett is experiencing with the SAPS:Plettenberg Bay and requesting Minister Fritz’ urgent intervention.
• filed a complaint with the Western Cape Police Ombudsman.
• filed a complaint with the Independent Police Investigative Department (IPID)
• joined with other civic organizations to meet with SAPS Colonel Michaels and apply pressure to take action against known perpetrators and hold them accountable.

We will be keeping our members and the public informed of additional actions.

Neville Petersen

Chairman

Plett Ratepayers Association