Efforts to root out crime received a massive boost when neighbourhood watch members in Gugulethu got much-needed equipment.
Among others, they received a bicycle, 15 reflector jackets, torches and first aid kits.
The event was held at Khwezi Community Hall on Friday 18 August. At least eight neighbourhood watch groups benefitted.
Sindile Faltein, the leader of Section 4 NHW (which encompasses NY 99,100,101,102,103 and 78), described the event as a blessing in disguise.
He said the equipment would motivate the members. “We received a bicycle, jackets (15), torches (3) and a first aid kit. The equipment will make our job easier. The jackets will play a huge role, especially for those who will be patrolling at night because it is cold and when it is raining,” said Faltein.
He stated that fighting crime is everyone’s business and urged young people to join NHW.
Faltein identified house robberies, gender-based violence and murder as some of the leading crime reported to the police station.
Gugulethu Community Policing Forum (CPF) executive member Linda Kabeni expressed gratitude to the ward councillor. He said the equipment would make the job easy for the patrollers.
Kabeni urged all the neighbourhood watches to be united and speak with one voice.
“Their (NHW) challenges are our challenges as CPF. And we need them to fight their grievances together. And we are appealing to everyone who has an interest to reduce crime to come forward. We need a zero tolerance of crime in Gugulethu,” said Kabeni.
He emphasised that they wanted all NHWs to be accredited to benefit from the government.
Ward councillor Thembinkosi Mjuza stated that the equipment was bought through the ward allocation budget and is valued at R100 000. He urged the community to report everything that is suspicious to the police.
He praised the neighbourhood watch for doing a great job.