As Thursday heralded the first step towards a slight easing of lockdown restrictions, Bheki Cele ensured that he would be rigidly sticking to his guns. Not only will alcohol and cigarettes remain off the shelves, but SA’s top cop has revealed that he won’t give permission for neighbourhood watch groups to operate.

Neighbourhood watch groups told to stay put during lockdown

The police minister also said that Community Police Forums (CPFs) won’t be allowed to leave their homes and conduct patrols, either independently or with police. Cele stated he’d be happy to engage with these parties on this issue, but insisted that there are ‘shortcomings’ in their arguments:

“No. The neighbourhood watch cannot join the police. The question of patrolling can be done with the people who have a line of accountability. When our soldiers and officers do things wrong, we know where to go. But what would you do if this happens within a neighbourhood watch?” “Furthermore, our soldiers and officers are vetted thoroughly. Other groups can’t say the same. I don’t mind engaging with watches and CPFs, but we must acknowledge these shortcomings.” Bheki Cele on neighbourhood watch patrols during lockdown

Bheki Cele facing politicial criticism

Although there have been fewer people on the streets, South Africa hasn’t been completely crime-free: Many people have been collared breaking the law of lockdown, and criminal activity in rural areas has not subsided.

FF Plus leader Pieter Groenewald has said that the increase in certain crimes over the lockdown period was a stark justification for such groups to operate at full capacity. He also pointed out that private security companies were authorised to operate, but that neighbourhood watch groups were not so lucky. The issue remains a thorny one for Cele and his government to handle.