Celebrating 11 years of safety
Kensington Street Security System (SSS) celebrated its 11th anniversary on Sunday last week.

SSS is a community-based team that patrols the streets of Kensington. It covers streets around Aberdeen Road.
SSS’s head, Mr Nicholson Tshabalala, said that celebrating 11 years was a milestone for them.
“This is amazing. It does not feel like it is that long. Maybe it is because of the way we work with the community here,” he said.
He said that he and his team work hand-in-hand with the security company.
“When we see someone suspicious or a vehicle that we do not know parked outside someone’s property, we call the property owner. If he does not know that car, we press the button to call the security company to check. Lots of crime has been prevented because of this strategy,” Mr Tshabalala said.
He said that their phones are also linked to a central system.
“With one button we are able to send the information to our control. If the control room supervisor, Mr Paul Nogueira, sees that signal, he calls to find out details. If anyone has pressed the button and, for any reason, cannot talk, Mr Nogueira will call the police and the security guards to that spot. Our technology is so advanced that the system can spot our cellular phones even if they are off,” he said.
On Sunday residents brought along food and beverages for the team to enjoy.
“Today we are having a good time as a team. We invited other security companies that we work with. We will also discuss crime trends in our areas and we will share ideas on how to fight crime in our suburbs,” Mr Tshabalala said.
Residents expressed their gratitude as they brought their gifts for the team.
“They are amazing. They look after us really well. When I need them, I call them and they are here immediately. For the past six years I have been here, I have never had a problem,” Mrs Fatima Abraham said.
“It’s great to have a team like this. I feel protected all the time. They are not only a call away. Sometimes you cannot reach your phone but with these guys, I stick my head out of the door and shout and they are here. This is immediate. They stop crime before it even happens; before someone gets hurt, or even worse,” said Mr Beyton Henry, a resident for 20 years.
“Even when I am not here I know my family is safe. This team has been keeping me and my family safe for the past 10 years,” said Mr Justin Strydom.
“This team gives us a peace of mind. It is nice to know that there is someone out there for you when you need help,” said Mr Leonard Longley who has lived here for 21 years.
“It has been wonderful to have this team. They have also embraced cellular phone technology by using it to make this area safe,” Mr Paul Nogueira said.