Another street committee established
Mr Zola Dambula, the Sector 1 Crime Forum chairperson, said, “We are focusing on establishing street committees in the sector."
Residents are quickly realising the benefits of street committees, social media groups and communication among neighbours.
Yet another street committee was formed in the Jeppe SAPS precinct recently, this time by Bez Valley residents.
The EXPRESS recently reported that Kensington residents established the Somerset Road Security Forum (SRSF).
This forum was started following several crimes in Somerset Road. Ms Doreen Fosse, the secretary of the forum, said a neighbourhood watch or street security forum is an effective way to reduce crime and residents were urged to join or start these initiatives.
Soon after, Bez Valley residents established the 6th Avenue Group 1 street committee.
Mr Zola Dambula, the Sector 1 Crime Forum chairperson, said, “We are focusing on establishing street committees in the sector. The Sector 1 Sub Forum, which meets at the Mandeville Sports Centre, has undertaken to start street committees. I was invited to chair a street committee meeting on Freedom Day. It was initiated by our Sector 1 secretary, Ms Patty Naidu, at her house in 6th Avenue. The meeting was well attended in spite of it being a long weekend. The attendees were vociferous about the need to be involved in the fight against crime and reclaim the streets from criminals. Most residents are from 6th Avenue between 1st and 3rd streets,” said Mr Dambula.
He said the aim is to include all residents in 6th Avenue, from 1st to 10th streets, in the street committee.
“A WhatsApp chat group was created. We will create more chat groups as more members come on board. I was also mandated to approach neighbouring streets to encourage and assist residents in the establishment of street committees. Businesses in the area are encouraged to be part of these committees. We are experiencing a number of business robberies in the area,” said Mr Dambula.
WhatsApp and other social media groups are proving to be a success in the EXPRESS’ area. Residents, such as those living in the area covered by the Western Kensington Residents’ Association, are using WhatsApp to alert each other about crime, suspicious behaviour and to get to know each other.
Mr Dambula said the forum will embark on a number of awareness campaigns in the precinct to address social problems as well in conjunction with the Region F Social Development Department.
@JoziReporter
