Yeoville youth take back the streets

The youth of Yeoville is taking back their community.

The Yeoville SAPS’ social crime officer adopted the crime prevention youth desk.

The youth desk was formed in 2012, when youngsters noticed escalating crime levels.

According to the chairperson, Ms Lerato Maoka, the objective of the group is to encourage the Yeoville youth to refrain from criminal activity and to help in reducing the level of crime.

The youth engages with the community on a daily basis and are the eyes and ears of the community.

The daily activities include a number of duties within the community.

They visit schools in Yeoville to conduct crime talks with school pupils, visit child-headed homes to offer assistance of any form, and also host sports days to give the youth things to do with their free time.

“The little we do makes a huge difference in the community. After our talks at schools, you will find pupils approaching us for more information in terms of how they can join or even provide crime tip-offs, or they just inform us of someone who needs our help in the community,” said Ms Maoka.

“Yeoville is populated mostly by economic migrants from Africa who came to look for a better life. We also have middle income groups. We have a lot of crime like assault and date rape. Young girls walk the street alone and that makes them targets for assaults. Girls would go to the club with a guy and he would buy her a drink, thinking he owns her after that. We warn the youth about such situations so that they can be aware,” said Ms Maoka.

The youth desk arranges prison visits with the help of Constable Lindiwe Pile, the Yeoville SAPS social crime coordinator.

These trips include pupils visiting prisons and communicating with prisoners to realise the results of committing crimes.

“Most of the pupils who go with us on these visits change their minds if they are already involved in crime. They see the sad truth of life in prison,” said Ms Maoka.

The youth desk is under the supervision of Constable Pile and communications officer Constable Thabo Malatjie, who assists if the group needs to communicate with sponsors, organise events and support.

“The youth desk has really given the youth of Yeoville a chance to focus on positive things and provides a platform to do good for our community,” said Ms Maoka.

The youth desk office is based at the Yeoville SAPS.

Those interested in joining the group can attend the meetings at the Yeoville Police Station on Thursdays at 2pm. Members must be 18 years and older.

For more information, contact 072 564-3312