Creating a safer community

Crime has increased in the community. Last year, the residents of Gibson Street approached the Sector Crime Forum with a proposal to create a job creation for one person to patrol their street and the residents paid him jointly. This exercise decreased the crime in Gibson Street but it spilled over to the other streets.

After the stabbing of a resident to death in Sophiatown, the community realised the importance of patrolling the area. At the Sector Crime Forum meeting, the community discussed the need to have a Community Patrol. A sub-committee, chaired by Tilly Michaels, was selected to discuss the finer details like the name, logo, Code of Conduct and indemnity. Soon, a few members started under the interim chairperson Dauw Steyn to patrol the area and the patrol group grew.

Dirk Kotzé, Sector Crime Forum chairperson, facilitated the meeting between Sophiatown Police and a representative from the Department of Community Safety, and the safety sub-committee. The Department endorsed the patrol and requested that the necessary documentation and vetting should be done.

For July, Sophiatown Community Patrol has been visible and members of the community have already expressed gratitude to the patrollers for being active around the community.

The launch is to ensure that the community is totally aware of the patrol and that more members of the community will join the patrol group. Sophiatown Police and the Department of Community Safety will be in attendance.

The community at large is invited to the launch on Saturday, 30 August from 9am to 12.30pm at the Sophiatown Extreme Park Edward Street, Sophiatown.

The Know your neighbour campaign will be launched as well to ensure that the community knows their neighbours and to start being more active and vigilant in their neighbourhood.

Meetings are held on the last Tuesday of every month at the NG Church, corner Gold and Edward streets.

Details: Councillor Cathy Seefort, chairperson Resident’s Association 072 126 3923.