Crime fighter launches non-profit security company for a safer Diepsloot
Willie Matjie has observed that many residents in his community are putting efforts into enhancing safety in urban areas, like Fourways. However, he believes that in their quest to create a safer environment elsewhere, they are overlooking the pressing need for safety improvements within their own neighbourhoods.
Willie Matjie is a go-getter when it comes to tackling issues that would better his Dieplsoot community.
Last year, he envisioned taking youngsters off the street by helping them with necessary skills to establish themselves as entrepreneurs.
He helped Bongani Maringa open a car wash, and, “It is doing very well. I’m so happy because the boy has achieved a lot through the car wash.”
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Diepsloot is, unfortunately, known for high crime rates and associated challenges, including poverty, unemployment, and a lack of basic infrastructure, but Matjie is prepared to tackle each one, one step at a time.
He has now launched a non-profit security company to make his community feel safe. He said, it is the high crime rate that inspired him to open the security company, which will see security personnel donating their time to fight crime.
“Our people, from the township, are working for those big security companies that you usually see in the urban areas, like Fourways. We are asking those security companies to not only benefit from their skills but also to help them to ensure that where they come from is also safe. What we need is a collaboration that will include our community in their security control rooms. We need help with getting handcuffs, pepper spray, reflectors, torches, and other tools to assist.”
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Matjie believes that the community cannot solely rely on the police to fight crime. He said, that is why he is inviting them to join his efforts, to ensure that their neighbourhood is safe.
“A lot of our people wake up early in the morning to go to work. It is now still dark as winter approaches. We have had cases of people being robbed as soon as they leave their homes to get taxis to commute to work. So, as a security company, we are asking for residents to, at least, patrol the streets, so that there is more visibility to reduce such crimes.
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“They say: ‘Charity begins at home’. My plan is to bring community, police, the community policing forum, green beans, and security companies together to fight crime within our community. I spoke to two security companies and they have agreed to donate themselves to the community, and the possibility of more companies joining the group are high. This voluntary service includes armed response and street patrol, among other things.”
Community members who wish to dedicate their time to fighting crime will be thoroughly vetted to ensure they are not working with criminals. Details: 083 747 7146.
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