Michael Holloway is making a difference in his community by fighting crime.
The 19-year-old is the founder of Bez Valley 911.
“I started the security patrol in 2017 after seeing the level of crime in the area. I grew up in Bez Valley and attended Queens High School. I’m not new in the area; I know it very well. I did not like what I saw and decided to do something about it,” said Michael.
He said he decided to start a patrol team after seeing how Bez Valley residents were frustrated about the crime in the area and needed assistance.
“The high crime rate in Bez Valley has left residents not knowing who to turn to for a rapid response to emergencies. So, I saw a need for security to start a patrol team,” said Michael.
He said the patrol has made a difference in the area because now people know where to go if crime is happening in the neighbourhood.
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“We have built a relationship with SAPS and that has helped because residents tell us what is happening in the area and we communicate with SAPS and work a way forward together,” said Michael.
The EXPRESS asked Michael if he has always wanted to fight crime or maybe become a police officer.
“My first love is medicine. Fighting crime has become a recent passion as I wish to build a safe and clean area for my family and neighbours to live in peace,” said Michael.
He said the job is not easy sometimes because of the challenges they face.
“Sometimes police assistance is not enough because of manpower. Also, criminals change modus operandi every day and intelligence plays a large role in crime fighting so we must always be aware and informed of what is happening in the area,” said Michael.
He said as a young person working with older people has been amazing and he has learned a lot from them.
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“I respect those older than me and because of my passion to combat crime older members in the team listen to me and take my methods seriously. They are proud to see a young person trying to make a change,” said Michael.
He said he would like to see the team grow.
“I would like the team to grow bigger with the help of SAPS and CPF. I want the team to become the main assistance in Bez Valley and assist the police and community to work together in combating crime,” said Michael.
He said since the patrol team started he has seen improvements in the area.
“Since we started I have noticed some changes but would love to see an even major change in Bez Valley. I would love to see more residents join us in this fight against crime,” concluded Michael.
