Neighbourhood watch members from Ward 33 in Samora Machel were in a jubilant mood when they received new working equipment from their councillor, Lungisa Somdaka on Friday 14 April.
The event was attended by JP Smith, the City’s Safety and Security Mayco member.
Somdaka said the NHW members worked for years without the necessary equipment.
At least 53 jackets and eight whistles were handed over.
Areas that will benefit include Vukuzenzele (Sweet Home) and Samora Machel.
Somdaka said he was doing the event with the collaboration of Samora Machel police.
He stated that the equipment was bought from the ward allocation budget.
He said he felt there was a need to support them.
“NHW members are doing a great job assisting the police to fight crime. This is a sign of showing appreciation to them,” said Somdak, adding that the equipment had cost R30 000.
Somdaka urged the community not to take NHW for granted.
“People don’t take our patrollers seriously. If someone is in trouble or robbed on the street and sees the patrollers he or she can report to them and they will inform the police to chase the culprit,” he explained.
Speaking on behalf of NHW in Samora, Zinziswa Maswana said they are thrilled with the new equipment.
She stated that the equipment will make their job easier.
“The equipment will make the difference. The community will be able to recognise us. The jackets will help us, especially now that it is going to be winter,” she said.
Maswana stated that they need more as some members didn’t get the jackets.
She stated that they’d been working for so long without jackets.
”We are at risk because most of the time when we patrol we don’t have necessary equipment like torches, beanies, t-shirts, etc,” she said adding that sometimes they patrol with the police at night.
Samora Machel police station spokesperson Const Siviwe Gaqa praised the councillor for a great job citing that the equipment will boost the morale of the NHW members.
“It will make our job easier because we will be able to recognise them. And by having new jackets it will boost their confidence,” he said.
He stated that the NHW is there to work and assist the community. Gaqa urged the community to be the ears and eyes of the police.