HERMANUS PUBLIC PROTECTION
NEWSLETTER
Keeping our community safe and clean, together
NOVEMBER 2025
In this edition:
A Year-End Overview
As 2025 draws to a close, we reflect on another busy, productive year for HPP. With the support of the community and our partners, we secured a five-year renewal, a clear endorsement of the work delivered and a stable platform for continued service.
We continued our core operations across the HSRA: 24/7 patrols, camera oversight via our CCTV network, daily foot patrols in the CBD and along the Cliff Path, and supplementary cliff path cleansing.
Across the Hermanus Special Rating Area, crime data has shown a notable decrease in reported incidents this year. While seasonal factors and under-reporting should always be considered, the downward trend is an encouraging indicator of improved deterrence, visibility, and community vigilance.
A key milestone was the relocation of the HPP Control Centre to its new premises on Mussel Street in Hermanus Industria. This move provides a larger, better configured operational base and ensures we have the space needed for future growth.
As we enter the festive season and prepare for 2026, we remain committed to serving residents, businesses, and visitors. We look forward to working closely with municipal and public safety partners to maintain visible, responsive, and well managed public spaces.
HPP Control Centre Launch | A New Era of Monitoring and Coordination
On 20 November 2025, we officially opened the doors to our new Control Centre on Mussel Street in Hermanus Industria.
The event brought together an exceptional group of partners. We welcomed Executive Mayor Archie Klaas, the Mayoral Committee Member for Public Safety Andrew Komani, Ward Councillors, senior leadership from SAPS at both district and station level, leaders from Overstrand Fire Services and Overstrand Law Enforcement, members of the HPP Board, and key municipal officials and stakeholders.
This centre represents a major step forward for HPP. Our service model, patrol deployment and monitoring remain unchanged, but we now operate from a larger, better configured facility that supports the work more effectively and gives us room to grow.
The space has been designed with partnership in mind, and we welcome our municipal and public safety partners to join us here for coordination, planning and joint operations when required.
As the festive season approaches, public areas are expected to see higher footfall. We encourage residents, businesses and visitors to maintain awareness, report incidents promptly through official channels, and continue supporting safe and well-managed public spaces.
Working Together to Keep Hermanus Safe
1 November to 30 November 2025
Reports Received
436
Arrests
2
Waste Collected (KGs)
1350
HPP Festive Safety Operations
The HPP Festive Season Expanded Operational Plan runs from 8 December 2025 to 16 January 2026 as Hermanus prepares for peak summer activity. This plan builds on HPP’s two decades of public safety operations and ensures residents, visitors, and businesses are supported throughout the festive period.
Key features of the plan include:
- Daily foot patrols on the Hermanus Cliff Path and Hoy’s Koppie from dawn to dusk in identified high-traffic zones.
- Visible presence at key locations – look out for HPP Safety Kiosk at Grotto East, providing on-the-ground support and visibility.
- Additional public safety officers deployed visibly across the Hermanus CBD to enhance coverage.
- Continuous CCTV monitoring from the HPP Control Centre, with personnel and response vehicles GPS-tracked for targeted deployment.
- Coordinated incident response in collaboration with SAPS, Fire Services, Law Enforcement, and medical responders.
- Supplementary cleansing operations on key public holidays, including the Day of Reconciliation, Day of Goodwill, and New Year’s Day.
HPP will be on hand, visible and ready, supporting safe, well-managed public spaces so that everyone can enjoy the festive season with peace of mind.
Community Safety Starts with Awareness
Residents, businesses, and short-term accommodation hosts are encouraged to share local safety advice with their guests and visitors.
A quick conversation goes a long way — awareness helps reduce risk.
Encourage visitors to:
- Stay alert in busy public spaces;
- Lock property and vehicles, secure belongings, and avoid leaving valuables visible;
- Report suspicious behaviour immediately through official response lines; and
- Familiarise themselves with safe routes, public patrol presence, and emergency contact numbers.
Safety is strengthened when communities and law enforcement services work together. As the festive season approaches, HPP will be present and available to support the needs of the area we serve.
Meet the Team | Walking the Path with Foot Patrol Supervisor Anovuyo Matshona
Each month, we introduce a member of the HPP team. This month, we feature Anovuyo Matshona, Foot Patrol Supervisor.
In his nine years with HPP, Foot Patrol Supervisor Anovuyo Matshona has seen the organisation grow and evolve. “It is different and getting better every year,” he says.
He has witnessed the steady expansion of both the team and the technological surveillance network, culminating in the move to HPP’s new control centre, which better supports operational needs. “Even crime seems to be a bit better now because we work very, very hard,” he notes. “Since joining as a foot patroller, I’ve learned so much and seen firsthand how the CCTV network helps prevent crime and identify suspects.”
Daily interactions with residents and visitors have strengthened his confidence and reinforced the value of public service. He recalls helping tourists recover footage from a drone that had fallen into the Mossel River, an example of the practical ways HPP assists the community.
Matshona particularly enjoys patrolling the Hermanus Cliff Path, a space he takes pride in seeing well used. Covering close to 1 000 km per month, highlights the dedication required to keep the area safe.
Now a Foot Patrol Supervisor, his journey reflects HPP’s commitment to continuity, staff development, and consistent public service, ensuring the organisation continues to meet the needs of the community every day.
With Gratitude: Wishing You a Safe Festive Season
In closing, HPP extends our appreciation to colleagues in Overstrand Municipality, South African Police Service, neighbourhood watch groups, Fidelity ADT, WCC Technologies and Iphupha Cleansing for the valued cooperation across our operations. Acknowledgement is also extended to Hermanus SRA property owners, businesses, and community organisations for their continued support.
On behalf of the HPP Board and the Executive Officer, we wish the community of Hermanus a safe and joyful festive season, may this time bring happy shared moments with family and friends and a collective commitment to extend kindness to one another.
That is all for this edition. With your support, we will continue to protect what makes Hermanus such a special place to live and visit.
The next newsletter is scheduled for publication at the end of January 2026.
Leon Rauch
HPP Chair