Page 163 - Bulletin 7 2003

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This bombshell, which was reported in the Cape Times of 21 September 1950,
(Fig. 4.8), aggrieved many of the locals, and the Kalk Bay-Muizenberg

Ratepayers Association protested to the police authorities. Lieut-Colonel Martin
Coetzee, Deputy Commissioner of Police in the Cape, stated in his reply that,

because of the proximity of the Fish Hoek and Muizenberg Police Stations, the

continued existence of the Kalk Bay Police Station was not warranted. The staff
of eight at Kalk Bay would be stationed at Muizenberg and Fish Hoek, and, being

freed from excessive administrative work, would therefore be able to spend more
time on patrol and outside supervision.

Tommy Carse was the popular constable at the time of closure and his book, “Die

Bloudam is hul Oesland”, published later in 1960, gives an in-depth view into the

lives of the fishing community of Kalk Bay whom he had served for many years.
He was transferred to Muizenberg, but his home was in Kalk Kalk Bay and so,

thankfully, he was not lost to his loyal community.

The arrangement, for the time being after the closure, was that the present

occupiers of the married quarters would remain in the building. The morgue
would be demolished and a report by the Police Department for converting the

Charge Office into a flat would be considered, and, if found viable, undertaken
by the Government. The Council would proceed with the road widening at its

own cost.

Early in 1951 the verandah and the lean-to roof were removed, as were the

concrete stoep and stone foundations. A new footway was built along the front
face of the old station at a cost of £50, plus an extra £6 for two cast-iron

pavement channels.

Thus after a very slow and tedious start to the establishing of a police station at

Kalk Bay, the ending was in direct contrast – fast and swift - much to the
displeasure and indignation of the locals.