The Mitchell’s Plain Safety and Development Forum (MPSDF) has launched its first Safe Zones in Montrose Park and Beacon Valley as part of a wider effort to reduce crime and strengthen community safety across the area.
The initiative was officially unveiled during launch events held at Montrose Park Community Hall and Shekinah Full Gospel Church of God in Beacon Valley on Friday, May 22.
The programme aims to reclaim public spaces, improve safety for residents, and create stronger partnerships between communities, law enforcement agencies, government departments, and local organisations.
MPSDF chairperson Abie Isaacs said the initiative was about changing the narrative surrounding Mitchell’s Plain.
“We are rewriting history when it comes to safety and security in Mitchell’s Plain”
According to MPSDF communications executive Tyron Parks, the Safe Zones programme will later expand to Strandfontein, Rocklands, and Tafelsig.
Western Cape MEC for Police Oversight and Community Safety Anroux Marais attended the launch and said government could not tackle crime alone.
“This shows what is possible when communities come together. Communities are not built through law enforcement alone, but through unity and togetherness,” she said.
Isaacs said the project would also focus on youth development programmes, holiday activities, and social media safety campaigns aimed at steering young people away from gangs and drugs.
Lentegeur police station commander Colonel Umavathie Rameshwarneth warned that gang activity remained a major concern in the area.
“There are challenges in Montrose Park and crime is escalating. We cannot do it alone and need partnerships with all stakeholders,” she said.
Community Policing Forum chairperson Michael Jacobs said churches and community groups would work together to establish local Safety Hubs to support vulnerable residents and children living on the streets.
The full Safe Zones rollout is expected to begin in June.