HERMANUS PUBLIC PROTECTION
NEWSLETTER
Keeping our community safe and clean, together
DECEMBER 2025 / JANUARY 2026
Festive Season Reflections and Outlook for 2026
As we conclude the 2025 festive season and enter the new year, I would like to extend my sincere thanks to all role players who contributed to maintaining safety and stability within the HSRA during one of the busiest periods of the year.
The past two months have demonstrated the value of coordinated planning, disciplined execution and strong partnerships between HPP, SAPS, the Overstrand Municipality and other stakeholders. Despite increased visitor numbers and operational pressures, the outcomes achieved reflect a shared commitment to proactive crime prevention and community safety.
I also wish to acknowledge the dedication of the HPP operational and support teams, whose professionalism and resilience remain central to the organisation’s mandate. We begin 2026 mindful of our responsibilities, encouraged by recent results, and committed to continuous improvement.
A Successful Festive Season for the HSRA
The 2025/2026 festive season recorded positive crime prevention outcomes across the Hermanus Special Rating Area (HSRA), despite a significant increase in visitor numbers during December.
According to crime statistics reported by Hermanus Station Commander, Colonel Tamboer, Hermanus experienced its lowest December crime levels on record, with an overall reduction of 16.3% compared to the same period in 2024. This improvement was achieved during what is traditionally the busiest and most challenging month for crime prevention, with tourist numbers reportedly doubling over the peak period.
Encouraging reductions were recorded in contact crimes, including assault and robbery, as well as property-related offences. Particularly notable was a substantial decrease in so-called trio crimes (house robbery, business robbery and hijacking). These results reflect the effectiveness of coordinated operational planning and collaboration between SAPS, municipal services and community-based crime prevention partners operating within the HSRA.
HPP acknowledges the collective effort of all role players whose vigilance and responsiveness contributed to a safer festive season for residents and visitors alike.
Working Together to Keep Hermanus Safe
1 December 2025 to 31 January 2026
Reports Received
Dec/ Jan 920
Arrests
Dec/ Jan 11
Waste Collected (KGs)
Dec/ Jan 3050
Proactive Operations Deliver Results Through Festive Season and Into January
HPP officers remained under sustained operational pressure throughout the festive season and into January 2026, with continued successes demonstrating the effectiveness of proactive patrols, real-time CCTV monitoring, and close cooperation with SAPS, Overstrand Law Enforcement, and private security partners.
During December, 14 apprehensions linked to serious criminal activity were supported by HPP through routine patrols and active surveillance, with 8 confirmed arrests. Drug-related offences, marine-resource harvesting and robberies were identified early, enabling swift, coordinated responses. In each instance, suspects were located and detained, with evidence recovered and handed over to SAPS for further investigation.
This momentum continued into January.
On Friday evening, 23 January, at approximately 22:40, suspicious activity was detected via CCTV in the CBD, where an individual was observed allegedly selling suspected drugs. An HPP foot patrol officer responded immediately. When backup and SAPS arrived on scene, the suspects attempted to flee but were apprehended following a coordinated response. SAPS recovered a bag of drug-related substances during the search, and the suspect was arrested and transported to the Hermanus Police Station.
On Saturday, 24 January, a burglary occurred at Hermanus High School. Following information shared by ADT and swift action by HPP officers, the suspect was located in a makeshift shelter near a parking area in town. Stolen items, including a laptop and speakers, were recovered in the suspect’s possession. The suspect was handed over to SAPS, and the matter was linked to a criminal case already opened earlier in the week. This coordinated approach is expected to support successful prosecution.
On Sunday, 25 January, at approximately 22:25, an HPP control room operator identified an individual engaging in illegal car guarding and harassing members of the public in the CBD. A nearby HPP specialised response officer was dispatched and responded promptly. During engagement, the individual appeared to be under the influence of drugs. SAPS was requested to attend, and upon searching the suspect, mandrax was found in his possession. The suspect was arrested and taken to the Hermanus Police Station.
These incidents highlight the value of visible policing, technology-enabled surveillance, and effective inter-agency cooperation in enhancing public safety within the HSRA, particularly during high-risk periods and peak visitor seasons. Vigilant communication and collaboration between HPP, SAPS, and Overstrand Law Enforcement, private security partners continue to strengthen responses across public spaces.
Meet the Team | Yamkela Yona: Proud Ambassador for Hermanus
Each month, we introduce a member of the HPP team. This month, we feature Yamkela Yona, HPP Specialised Response Officer
HPP Specialised Response Unit (SRU) officer Yamkela Yona has seen a very different side of the security industry since he began working for HPP in 2020.
“At HPP, we don’t see ourselves as security officers, but as ambassadors for Hermanus. We are representatives of the people of Hermanus and reflect that to our town’s residents and visitors,” he says. “Locals and tourists can walk more freely around Hermanus knowing that HPP has their back. From the cliff path to town, and up to their backyards of their houses, they can feel safe.”
Yona notes that “if anything happens, HPP is often first to arrive on the scene” as there are HPP vehicles on the ground 24 hours a day, from Hermanus industrial area to Voëlklip.
“HPP’s extensive camera system also makes a big difference,” he says. “At night, when we don’t have foot patrollers on the Hermanus Cliff Path, our CCTV camera operators can still monitor people’s movements and communicate this to our vehicle-based response officers. It’s often very obvious when people are walking for a good cause or not.”
Yona loves his job and makes it his priority to keep people safe in Hermanus. “At HPP, we aim to leave a mark and go that extra mile. Locals know us and tourists will remember us!”
He extends his gratitude to HPP’s board “for giving us an online platform with the website so as to be known by the people we serve”.
In Memoriam | Sibongile Bolilitye
It is with deep sadness that HPP notes the passing of Sibongile Bolilitye, a valued member of the HPP operational team.
Sibongile served as a Public Safety Officer for just over two years and was involved in a number of successful interventions during his time with the organisation. He was committed to his duties and well regarded by colleagues.
The HPP team extends its sincere condolences to his family, friends and loved ones. He will be sorely missed.
Leon Rauch
HPP Chair