Scam Alert For Residents: Beware

It has recently come to our attention that yet another scam is targeting individuals within our community.
Kouga Municipality has been alerted to a fraudulent scheme circulating via WhatsApp, which preys on residents with false claims of impending disconnection due to outstanding municipal payments.
This scam involves the use of photos depicting individuals who appear to be Kouga Municipality workers, but upon closer examination, it becomes evident that the documents held by these individuals are not authentic.

Modus Operandi

The modus operandi of this scam involves a deceptive WhatsApp message purportedly sent by someone named Rodwell Khumalo. He falsely claims affiliation with Kouga Local Municipality. The message typically begins with a cordial greeting. This is followed by an assertion that the sender represents the municipality. It then proceeds to inform the recipient about a looming disconnection of services at a specific property due to arrears in the municipal account.

To Instill Fear

These messages often include the address of the targeted property, which may give the impression of legitimacy. However, it’s crucial to understand that this is merely a tactic to instill fear and urgency in the recipient, prompting them to act hastily without verification.
Residents are advised that this individual is not in any way affiliated with Kouga Municipality.
We want to emphasise that Kouga Municipality does not engage in such practices. Our official communications regarding billing and services will always be through formal channels. We will never demand immediate payments under threat of service disconnection.
If you receive any suspicious calls or demands for account information or payments, please verify the authenticity of the request by contacting our official customer service channel at 042 200 2200.
Additionally, if you have been a victim of this scam or have any information that may assist in apprehending the perpetrator, please report it to the local authorities immediately.
Let us work together to keep our community safe from such fraudulent activities.

An Investment Portfolio Without a Plan is Meaningless – The Human Side of Money presented by Client Care

An Investment Portfolio Without a Plan is Meaningless – The Human Side of Money presented by Client Care

Today most of the public still see a Financial Planners job to be picking investments, portfolio management and managing money. In reality, this task is not even second to what a real planner should be doing. A real financial planners’ primary role is exactly what the title says, financial planning.

An Investment Portfolio

The truth is that a portfolio has no other rational function than as a servant of a plan. The highest and noblest function of an advisor is planning for their clients. Likewise, the widely accepted assumption is that the primary determinant of investment success is portfolio performance, but it’s not, investor behaviour is, and this is where a real financial planner adds immeasurable value.

The second most important function of a planner is as a behaviour modifier, helping clients refrain from making emotional big mistakes that will destroy their well thought out plan. This is not to say that one’s investment portfolio is not important, it is, but only to the extent that it funds your plan which consists of your own unique personal goals and dreams.

Simple examples of goals are a retirement income that you can’t outlive or funding your grandkids tertiary education. These goals will vary and be unique to every person or couple. Everyone’s plan will be different, so should the accompanying investment portfolio based on a client’s available resources available and time.

This misunderstanding by most is understandable as the financial services industry serves itself with the narrative it spreads through it’s marketing strategies, implying that “they” have the golden bullet when it comes to investing. Another truth that I will touch on another time is that long term real-life returns are more dependent on asset allocation than fund selection.

An Investment Portfolio

Make sure that you have a plan that drives your investment portfolio, not the other way around. I see so many situations where the client’s money is the “client” and not the individual/couple or their family. Trust me if you don’t have a real plan, it is probably because this part takes time, honest and sometimes tough conversation and needs an understanding of who YOU are.

Are you worth it?

Dirk Groeneveld, Certified Financial Planner.

Previous Columns:

Calibre Security Crime Report: November 2024

Calibre Security Crime Report: November 2024

The Calibre Security Crime Report for November 2024 – an overview of crime for the above period:

Area Of Concern: Village

1 incident of theft

Fri 01/11 St. Francis Dr.

Case opened. (25-litre paint, electrical tools, cable extensions & wheelbarrow stolen)

1 incident of theft

MON 04/11 Harbour Rd.

Case opened. (Outside light stolen)

1 incident of theft

SUN 17/11 St. Francis Dr.

No case opened. (Outside tap stolen)

1 incident of theft. Suspect arrested for stealing

WED 27/11 Frank Rd.

Case opened (copper pipes)

1 incident of housebreaking

WED 27/11 Lyme Rd.

Case opened

(Leather bag, Apple Mac, wallet, keys & personal items stolen)

 

Area of concern: Canals

1 incident of housebreaking

MON 11/11 Poivre Cres.

Case opened (Computer, laptop, games & cellphones stolen)

1 incident of attempted housebreaking

MON 11/11 Poivre Cres.

No case opened (Marks on back door, no access gained)

1 incident of housebreaking

MON18/11 Aldabara Run.

No case opened. (three half bottles of alcohol, 6 pack water, draft taps and weir-box at pool stolen)

1 incident of attempted housebreaking

THU28/11 Poivre Rd.

No case opened (broken window, nothing stolen).

 

Cape St. Francis, Santareme, Santareme Phase 1, Oyster Bay and Industrial Areas.

Congratulations to all the abovementioned areas for achieving a completely incident-free November! Your vigilance and commitment to safety are truly commendable. Well done!

Arrests:

1 arrest for theft linked to five different properties.

Recoveries:

25-litre paint, electrical tools, cable extensions, wheelbarrow, wallet, cellphone & laptop bag.

Atlas Camera Activations Summary

Analytical camera activations 5165

Calibre response dispatched 262

Crime Summary for the period of March – November 2024

Looking back at our crime statistics over the past 9 months:

March: 10 incidents

April: 7 incidents

May: 9 incidents

June: 8 incidents

July: 7 incidents

August: 8 incidents

September: 4 incidents

October: 6 incidents

November: 9 incidents

We’re seeing a slight increase in reported cases and significantly more movement in and around our town as we fully enter the festive season. Remember, your safety is our priority. Let’s stay vigilant and work together to keep our town safe and secure throughout this festive period!

Notice to Homeowners and Tenants regarding UNSECURED doors, windows, gates & other entry points

March: 35 vacant unsecured homes

April: 44 vacant unsecured homes

May: 47 vacant unsecured homes

June: 59 vacant unsecured homes

July: 35 vacant unsecured homes

August: 30 vacant unsecured homes

September: 27 vacant unsecured homes

October: 28 vacant unsecured homes

November: 42 vacant unsecured homes

There’s been a noticeable increase over the past month – let’s all take extra precautions this festive season by securing our homes. With plenty of “shoppers” visiting our town, some may be on the lookout for opportunities – let’s not make it easy for them!

False Alarms triggered by Service Providers:

After monitoring over the past few months, we have identified the following patterns:

June: 14 incidents

July: 26 incidents

August: 15 incidents

September: 10 incidents

October: 26 incidents

November: 24 incidents

Unnecessary Alarm Activations

The number of unnecessary alarm activations caused by service providers failing to notify Calibre before entering protected premises has risen again in the past two months. This directly impacts our Response Officers, diverting their focus from property protection and crime prevention.

Please ensure our office is informed prior to entering any Calibre-protected property. Repeated non-compliance will prompt further action as we work to minimize these disruptions. Additional notices will be issued to both clients and service providers to address this ongoing issue.

WE WISH ALL OUR CUSTOMERS A MERRY CHRISTMAS & A HAPPY NEW YEAR!

LET’S LOOK OUT FOR ONE ANOTHER THIS FESTIVE SEASON.

Read more: Dealing With Noise Issues? Excellent Advice From Calibre Security

Sporty Anderson Surf Ski Race

Sporty Anderson Surf Ski Race is on Saturday, 28 December – All Registered CSA Paddlers Welcome

The St Francis Paddling Club will once again host the annual Sporty Anderson Surf Ski Race from Main Beach, St Francis Bay, on Saturday, 28 December. Registration starts at 8:00 AM, and the race begins at 9:00 AM.

Last year, the individual winners were the newly named couple, Murray and Candice Starr, with Candice also winning the 2002 race. Jasper Mocke, one of thelocalpaddlers, was the men’s winner in 2022.

Sporty Anderson Surf Ski

Single and Double Ski Paddlers

The 15km race begins at Main Beach, with paddlers heading out to thePointbefore turning left towards the river mouth. The race is open to single and double ski paddlers. The NSRI will play a critical role in ensuring safety, particularly as participants navigate through the Kom mouth, paddle downriver to the Cove, then up the main canal into the ski canal, and finally exit the mouth to return to Main Beach.

The Harvey brothers, Nigel and Gavin, have been sponsoring this event for over 30 years.

Prizes In Seven Different Categories

There is no entry fee; the first 75 entries will receive a sweatshirt. Prizes will be awarded in seven different categories. The top paddlers are expected to complete the race in just under an hour, depending on the conditions. Last year, the route was modified due to extreme easterly winds.

The organizers hope for a full turnout on 28 December, with several local club members, including Peter King, Phil Smith, Gordon Spalding, and Andrew Carter, expected to participate.

Register online: www.canoesa.com

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