Residents support night vigil against crime and grime
Community members, police and the Bulwer Community Safety Forum united against prostitution and crime and grime at the night vigil on Friday.
GLENWOOD residents showed their support for the Bulwer Community Safety Forum’s anti-prostitution, crime and grim night vigil last week as they gathered at Baxter Park armed with placards venting their feelings over the urban decay that has spread through the suburb in recent months.
The vigil began with a prayer by anti-crime activist Brad Nathanson. “I will support any initiative that is trying to make our country a better and safer place to live in. We have to start with the small things, be it dumping, urinating in public or prostitution because I believe if you start with the small issues the rest will take care of itself,” he said.
Emma Sethaba said she was fed up with prostitutes who also brought drug related crimes to her doorstep. “I’m badly affected by the prostitutes who drink and scream and walk around half naked in front of our children. They are pooing next to our gates, its disgusting! I’m really living in hell,” she said.
A Barth road resident who wished to remain anonymous said waking up 15 minutes at night by cars coming in and out of a neighbouring property in which a suspected brothel operated, had become the norm. “I am here to support the forum so that police will take this issue more seriously,” she said.
Heather Rorick, chairman of the Bulwer Community Safety Forum was very pleased with the outcome of the night vigil. “We eventually had well over 50 people broken up into groups on different street corners all singing and holding their placards and candles up. Residents were chatting and getting to know one another. It was so heartwarming to see all race groups and people of all ages and different backgrounds, coming together, uniting as one voice in the fight against the crime and grime that has coming into our area due to an increase in prostitution.”
Rorick said both the day and night pickets had definitely brought the community out in the fight to clean up their area.
The community is invited to attend the final BCSF community meeting of the year on Tuesday, 10 December at 6.15 for 6.30pm at the Glenwood Community Church Hall, 115 Bulwer Road (Cnr Bulwer and Clark).
Contact Heather on 074 203 2792 or Louise (A/H) on 083 256 1254 or email: bulwercommunity@gmail.com for more information.
