Local watch destroys criminal hideout

THE Pine-Ridge Neighbourhood Watch (PRNHW) has assumed an active role in clearing the bushes along freeways in Pinetown.

On Saturday 31 May several patrollers, with the help of volunteer residents, began clearing up the bushes between Heaton Niholls Drive and the M7. Previously the watch cleared the servitude along Flodden Crescent.

According to Sharon Jenkins, of the PRNHW, many criminals either use the bushes along the freeways as an escape route or as a spot to hide stolen property, making it difficult for authorities to link them to the crime if they are caught. The criminals then return to the stolen property at a later stage.

“We are trying to clear the areas, in an effort to improve the safety of the neighbourhood,” said Jenkins.

Residents have rallied behind the watch’s cause and have not only donated equipment to assist with the project, but also their time.

During the cleanup, the group of patrollers and volunteers found boxes that were fashioned into ‘houses’ within the undergrowth. “It was evident that people have been living there, as there were bags, shoes and old food. We also found some plastic lining, from stripped electrical cable, which means that the criminals hide in the bush where they strip the stolen cables, hence the importance of the project,” said Jenkins.

Prince Dlamini, an education officer from Durban Solid Waste, said, “The community have taken a positive initiative with regards to cleaning up the area,” said Dlamini.

Dlamini has assisted the project by providing the group with waste bags, and has also arranged for a team and a truck to remove the rubbish and debris.