New cop at top

“I have already gauged what the challenges are in the precinct. Property crimes and business robberies are the main challenges in this precinct,” Hermanus says.

She explains that, since she is transferring from Lentegeur Police Station, she has dealt with similar crimes in the previous ­precinct.

“I come from stations where it was property crimes and gangsters and drugs that were challenges. So I do have the background to approach these issues in an effective way.

“Once I have done an introduction to the community I will be serving we will work on ways to address crime in the precinct. For now it is too soon to say what needs changing,” she says.

Hermanus says she already communicated with the local community policing forum (CPF) in her first week at the station.

“We are busy working on a date where I will address the community during a meeting so they can see who I am and familiarise themselves with the new shift,” she says.

Lansdowne CPF chairperson Rafique Foflonker says he welcomes Hermanus, saying they look forward to working with her “to expand our community-focused partnership”.

He adds that previous engagement with her will make the transition easier.

“Hermanus is no stranger to us; we know each other from our cluster engagements at Mitchell’s Plain,” he says.

Foflonker says the CPF bids farewell to exiting station commander Colonel Herman Seals who was transferred to Hermanus’s previous post in Lentegeur.

“During his time in Lansdowne, Seals contributed positively to the partnership and improved overall safety and security in the area. We will surely miss him,” Foflonker says.