The first Domestic Watch meeting was held at the White House Healing Centre, on June 24.
The meeting was aimed at teaching and training domestic staff about crime prevention.
The first lesson taught was for domestic workers to know their neighbours, presented by the founder of Making a Difference (MAD) Penny Steyn.
Col Martin van Nieuwenhuizen and Const Zoliswa Kabini, from the Benoni police, were also present.
Steyn started by thanking the workers for the work they do by taking care of their employers’ homes.
She described previous incidents in her life and explained to the workers that it was important to look after themselves.
“You see, you hear and you know what happens in you area,” she said.
Steyn went on to explain that Benoni has eight sectors and that, within those sectors, there are two patrolling vehicles which look out for any illegal activities in the areas.
The workers were provided with contact details of the police call centre, in case of emergencies.
“We encourage residents to support this important suburb initiative”, said Clive Humphrey, managing director of the ADT central region.
“In the 36 years of being a police officer, I have never been so inspired,” said Col van Nieuwenhuizen.
Meetings will take place on the last Wednesday of each month, at the White House Healing Centre.
The next meeting is scheduled for July 30.
Domestic workers, gardeners and employers are welcome to attend.
Each delegate will pay a fee of R30.
