HERMANUS PUBLIC PROTECTION
NEWSLETTER
Keeping our community safe and clean, together
February 2026
In this edition:
- Partnership in Action | HPP Backs Rotary View Clean-Up to Keep Hermanus Pristine
- Data-Driven Crime Prevention | HPP Supports Provincial Violence Prevention Initiative in Zwelihle
- Operational Highlights
- Attempted Assault Suspect Detained Through Coordinated Response
- Other Incidents Attended to During February
- Meet the Team | Sibusiso Qoso – Five years of Vigilance in Community Safety
HPP Backs Rotary View Clean-Up to Keep Hermanus Pristine
HPP recently supported a community clean-up at Rotary View, the elevated public space above Swallow Park in the central business district of Hermanus.
The activity was organised by Marine Coastal Conservation (MCC) and brought together representatives from Overstrand Municipality, including the Executive Mayor, the Hermanus Business Chamber, Rotary International and members of the community. The clean-up formed part of ongoing efforts to preserve the environmental quality and visual appeal of a prominent public area in Hermanus.
HPP members provided operational support during the clean-up and maintained visible public safety oversight throughout the event. This ensured that volunteers could work efficiently and safely.
Rotary View has been recently revived as a key lookout point over the coastline. The care and maintenance of such public spaces depends on active participation from residents, civic bodies and support organisations. Initiatives like this illustrate the positive impact of collaborative action.
HPP remains committed to assisting community-driven efforts that contribute to a cleaner, safer and more welcoming Hermanus.
HPP Supports Provincial Violence Prevention Initiative in Zwelihle
HPP continues to support collaborative safety initiatives aligned with its mandate, including the work of the Overberg Violence Prevention Unit (VPU) in Zwelihle. HPP’s primary contribution remains the monitoring and patrol of Swartdam Road.
The VPU operates under the Western Cape Government and applies a public health approach to violence reduction, drawing on the internationally recognised Cardiff University model of violence prevention. This evidence-based methodology integrates hospital and policing data to identify violence hotspots and guide targeted interventions.
A recent progress engagement, attended by Western Cape Premier Alan Winde, representatives of the Department of Health and Wellness, and Overstrand Municipality leadership, highlighted measurable outcomes. Reported trends for the Hermanus policing precinct indicate reductions in illegal firearm possession, murder, robbery and attempted murder when compared to the previous financial year. However, increases in drug-related offences and drunk driving remain areas of concern.
The VPU emphasises coordinated action across Health, Social Development, Law Enforcement, SAPS and community structures. HPP supports this integrated approach through information-sharing platforms, participation in local safety forums and operational coordination where required within public spaces.
Violence prevention requires sustained, data-driven collaboration. HPP remains committed to working within established partnerships to enhance safety, particularly in areas where interventions are most needed.
Through structured cooperation and responsible resource deployment, collective efforts can contribute meaningfully to reducing violence and strengthening community resilience.
Working Together to Keep Hermanus Safe
1 February to 28 February 2026
Reports Received
349
Arrests
3
Waste Collected (KGs)
1365
Attempted Assault Suspect Detained
On Thursday, 7 February at approximately 16h00, HPP received a report of an attempted assault in the Westcliff area of Hermanus.
It was alleged that a male suspect, armed with a screwdriver, attempted to assault a domestic worker. A nearby resident heard the disturbance, intervened and chased the suspect from the scene.
HPP was requested to review available public camera footage to determine whether the suspect could be identified. A partial description was provided. Following a review of the relevant footage, an individual matching the description was identified. The suspect was known HPP and we were able to provide detectives with information.
On 16 February 2026, during a routine patrol, an HPP foot patroller observed the suspect within his patrol area and immediately alerted Control. The suspect was detained, and backup was requested. HPP Control notified the investigating detective, who confirmed that the detained individual was the suspect sought in the case. The suspect was subsequently transported to the Hermanus Police Station for further processing.
Other Incidents Attended to During February
In a separate incident on 1 February, an HPP patroller assisted a parachutist who sustained an injury upon landing near The Marine Hotel. The injured individual received prompt attention.
Additional matters attended to during the month included:
- Reporting property fires within and outside the HSRA area
- Notifying property owners of open doors and windows
- Assisting with shoplifting incidents
- Responding to disorderly conduct complaints
- Supporting SAPS with arrests
- Recovery of lost property
- Recovery of a lost dog
HPP continues to provide visible patrols, monitoring and coordinated response within the public spaces of Hermanus SRA in support of community safety.
Community Safety Alert
HPP has recorded an increase in open gates, doors and windows during recent patrols. Ensure your property is secured at all times, particularly after dark.
Reports of possible vehicle remote jamming have also been received. Always physically check that your vehicle is locked before walking away.
Report any suspicious activity immediately to South African Police Service (SAPS), Hermanus Public Protection (HPP) or your local security provider.
Meet the Team | Sibusiso Qoso – Five years of Vigilance in Community Safety
Each month, we introduce a member of the HPP team. This month, we feature Sibusiso Qoso, CCTV Controller.
This February marks five years since Sibusiso Qoso began working for HPP as a CCTV operator, a job demanding exceptional vigilance and stamina over 12-hour shifts.
“The HPP CCTV network of more than 180+ cameras makes a big difference in helping us spot criminal activities and prevent and curb crime,” says Qoso. “Thanks to the extensive camera system and our active patrollers in suburbs from Voëlklip to the industrial area, crime in Hermanus is lower than before. We catch a lot of culprits as a result of the surveillance system.”
He says the CCTV system is fast and is complemented by highly responsive HPP foot, bicycle and vehicle patrollers on the ground, making HPP very effective. Qoso has also played an important role in strengthening working relationships with members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Hermanus, as well as with the SAPS Overberg District Command. These professional relationships enhance information-sharing and operational coordination.
Qoso recalls that about two years ago, thanks to the vigilance of his colleagues, a 10-year-old girl was saved from drowning in the Hermanus New Harbour. He is also impressed by the vigilance of his CCTV colleagues in recent years which led to the arrest of suspects in a farm murder. These suspects remain in prison, awaiting trial.
He notes that many of the petty thieves in Hermanus are repeat offenders, known to HPP, and he encourages members of the public to lay criminal complaints in the event of a crime.
His name, Sibusiso, meaning “blessing” in isiXhosa, reflects his valued contribution to the Hermanus community.
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.
Leon Rauch
HPP Chair