Law Enforcement officers of Drakenstein Municipality and provincial traffic authorities conducted safety inspections and checked for outstanding fines on the R44 at Windmeul, Agter-Paarl, on Friday, 21 November 2025.

Drakenstein Municipality launches comprehensive Summer Safety Plan

December 7, 20254 weeks Anetta Mangxaba 104 Views

Statement | Paarl

The Public Safety Department of Drakenstein Municipality has officially kicked into summer gear, ready to deal with any incident or emergency this festive season in Paarl, Wellington and surrounding areas. The area is expecting an influx of visitors and high volumes of traffic on its roads.

Col. May-Louise Dyers, Acting Station Commander of the Paarl Police Station, Alderman Gert Combrink, Acting Executive Mayor of Drakenstein Municipality, Councillor Avron Appollis, Mayoral Committee Member for Public Safety and Social Development, and Saul Jacobs, Chief Law Enforcement Officer of Drakenstein Municipality at the launch of the Municipality’s Summer Safety Plan on Friday, 21 November 2025.

On Friday, 21 November 2025, the Chiefs of the Municipality’s Fire and Rescue, Law Enforcement, and Traffic Services divisions handed over the Municipality’s Summer Safety Plan to Alderman Gert Combrink, Acting Executive Mayor, Councillor Avron Appollis, Mayoral Committee Member for Public Safety and Social Development, as well as the South African Police Service (SAPS). This plan details operational strategies and protocols to keep residents and visitors safe throughout the festive season period.

Response strategies, incident preparedness and emergency response protocols will be executed in a coordinated manner, in partnership with agencies such as SAPS, provincial traffic authorities, provincial emergency medical services, community policing forums, and private security companies.

*Drakenstein Municipality’s Public Safety Department has several new vehicles, ready for the busy holiday season. The two quadbikes will be used by Law Enforcement officers patrolling Paarl Mountain.*

The hand-over event was followed by the first multi-agency Vehicle Checkpoint (VCP) operation of the holiday season on the R44 at Windmeul in Agter-Paarl to ensure compliance with traffic regulations and to enhance road safety. The R44, which runs from Piketberg in the North to Kleinmond in the South, is one of the many provincial roads, in addition to the N1 highway, that traverse Drakenstein and will carry holiday traffic.

Drakenstein Traffic Chief Japie Cornelissen emphasised the importance of road safety.

“We expect heavy traffic as people travel to and from their holiday destinations. Road surveillance and visible law enforcement will be a daily occurrence.”

Holidays unfortunately also often bring a spike in crime. “Our law enforcement officers, including 20 new Law Enforcement Advancement Plan (LEAP) officers, will patrol public areas to ensure safety. Municipal bylaws exist to protect everyone’s safety and comfort, and will be enforced,” Cornelissen stressed.

Alderman Combrink appealed to residents and visitors to cooperate.

“Summer in the Western Cape is vibrant and full of opportunity, but it also brings risks. We need the eyes and ears of the public. Let us make this season memorable for joy, not tragedy. Every child should play freely, every family should travel without fear, and every community should thrive,” the Acting Executive Mayor said.

With soaring temperatures, rivers, dams and pools are popular recreation spots. To ensure safety, the Municipality has appointed 55 lifeguards, all accredited through training by the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) at its seven public swimming pools.

While Drakenstein Municipality is ready to keep its residents and visitors safe 24/7, here is what members of the public can do:

SAFETY TIPS

Fires

• Report fires immediately.

• Only make fires in designated areas.

• Extinguish fires completely before leaving.

• Businesses should ensure that they implement fire safety measures.

Traffic

• Respect fellow road users and be patient.

• If you are drinking, arrange a designated driver, book a taxi, or use a safe-ride service.

Crime

• Be vigilant. More people mean more targets.

• Stay aware and report suspicious behaviour.

Water safety

Parents and guardians should always supervise their children near water.

Illegal dumping

Refrain from dumping refuse illegally as the Municipality’s teams will be monitoring hotspots in Drakenstein. Offenders will face legal consequences.

Emergency contact numbers

• Report a crime to your nearest police station or 10111; Crime Stop: 08600 10111 or 112 (cell phone).

• Report bylaw contraventions to the Municipality’s Law Enforcement division: 021 807 8508.

• Report a fire to the Municipality’s Fire and Rescue Services: 021 872 2323.

• In an emergency, contact the Municipality’s Control Room: 021 807 8501 (activates law enforcement and emergency services).

• Service-related enquiries: 080 131 3553 toll free, email customercare@drakenstein.gov.za or SeeClickFix app: iOS: https://apple.co/3T4bnJa | Android: https://bit.ly/3T0VtiC.