The December holiday was a period of rest and relaxation for most people except those working in law enforcement and the health industry.
The police have confirmed that in excess of 400 suspects were arrested for a wide range of crimes during the holidays. This includes one minor, who was arrested for the murder of Yusuf “Worsie” Isaacs. The young rugby player from Hawston was stabbed to death on Christmas day and laid to rest on the last day of 2022.
The community was once again left reeling in shock when a young woman was brutally attacked, allegedly raped, reportedly beaten over the head with a rock and left for dead a short while later.
Angered by these events the community took to the streets on Monday 2 January for a peaceful march followed by the hand-over of a memorandum to the police, Overstrand Law Enforcement and Arnie Africa, the local ward councillor.
ANC MP Maurencia Gillion along with Overstrand councillors Rugene Dees and Elnora Gillion addressed the crowd of more than 100 people before they set off on a march through the town’s streets.
Members of the Public Order Police, Hermanus Police, Overstrand Law Enforcement and Traffic were present and local church leaders led the march.
Rev Chris Nissen, Human Rights Commissioner, congratulated the community for “protesting with responsibility” about serious matters affecting the community, including the need for better policing.
He urged the community to, when a serious incident happens, to come forward with evidence instead of keeping silent.
“When something happens everyone talks about it, but when it comes to giving testimony everybody is quiet,” said Nissen.
“There can only be a good conviction if there is adequate and reliable testimony and evidence. Everybody knows who the drug dealers are but nobody wants to give the information to the police and then we want to say the police and law enforcement don’t do their work.
“We should, as we did today, speak out and say enough is enough. You can remain anonymous. Your rights come with the responsibility to do the right thing.”
Gillion also urged the community to cooperate with the authorities and not to prevent them from executing raids and doing other important work.
Captain Fadila September, spokesperson for Hermanus police, confirmed a minor had been arrested for the murder. He was released into the care of his parents.
“We are aware of the woman who was allegedly brutally raped and assaulted,” she said. “A detective visited the victim, but she declined to lay a charge.”
Brigadier Donovan Heilbron confirmed the protest was peaceful and without incident.
“Thank you to the organisers who ensured the march was peaceful,” he said. “We take due cognisance of the demands contained in the memorandum and want to assure the community it will receive serious attention.”
