This follows the escalating levels of crime in the area. According to crime reports, robbery with a firearm, rape and assault had drastically increased.
On a recent visit to the area, Sergeant Nicholus Mokwena of the social crime prevention unit of Douglasdale police said, “If we don’t do something, crime will continue.”
Mokwena, attributed the high crime levels to the abuse of alcohol by many members of the community.
In an attempt to combat crime, police are currently recruiting citizen patrolmen from the Msawawa community who would be trained to assist in patrolling the area. According to Mokwena, the police had already recruited a total of 60 volunteers but needed an additional 40 to begin training.
Warrant Officer Balan Muthan, head of communications for the Douglasdale Police Station said all volunteers would be required to undergo security checks prior to training.
“The prime purpose of volunteers will be to report suspicious activity and crimes in progress, as well act as neighbourhood watchmen,” he said.
Addressing the community, Douglasdale Police Station commander Brigadier Lettie Hugo urged residents to keep their eyes and ears open and to come forward when they witness a crime. Hugo added that it was of utmost importance that community members assisted police with crime.
“I don’t have the manpower to put police officers in the community 24/7. I will give 100 percent if I know you guys will work together with us,” she said.
Hugo pleaded with the community to teach their children right from wrong, “If you as parents don’t teach your children that crime is wrong, it [crime], will never end.”
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