NIEU-BETHESDA NEWS — The tranquil village of Nieu-Bethesda experienced a relatively peaceful and crime-free festive season compared to the same period the previous year.

During December 2017 and January 2018 guest houses, visitors and tourists were targeted and the village fell victim to an unprecedented crime wave. 

Burglaries and theft seriously tarnished the image of Nieu-Bethesda as a tourist destination and the situation called for a revised policing strategy.

After some deliberation with the Graaff-Reinet Cluster Commander, Brigadier Adolph, a new Station Commander was appointed. This, in turn, gave birth to the establishment of the Nieu-Bethesda Community Watch. Improved communication with the police led to the arrest of a number of suspects.

The arrests were made possible by the assistance of the local community who have since been working hand in glove with the SAPS.

The Watch continued with way lays and foot patrols throughout the year (sometimes in sub-zero temperatures), and this initiative subsequently paid dividends as only three Burglaries were reported during the past festive season.

This is in glaring contrast to the previous season where substantially more cases were reported. Suspects were arrested in all 3 of these instances, as well as in two cases of Stock Theft that were reported during the same period.

Nieu-Bethesda Station Commander, Warrant Officer Gerrie van Rooyen thanks the community for their contributions in assisting the police and also paid tribute to his fellow officers for their dedicated approach to policing in the village and surrounds.

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