NEWCASTLE – When you turn off the lights and pull the covers tight, do you know who’s watching?
As daylight fades and night advances, some bear witness to the cheery facade of Newcastle being peeled away, to reveal its darker underworld.
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That is when the brave men and women of 911 Policing Forum step forward.
On Saturday evening at just after 9pm, members of the community watch group assembled at the trim park for a mass patrol, to scour the streets of the criminal element.
Journalist, Bruce Douglas accompanied members on this patrol.
The evening started normally enough, with a welcome from new manager, Morne Potgieter, and a summary of the local hotspots.
Members then divided to conquer.
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The ‘ride-along’ partner was businessman, Johan Pieters, a 911 Policing Forum response team member who patrols once or twice a week.
His first patrol area was the Vlam Crescent precinct.
Within minutes, Mr Pieters joined nearby members, who responded to an incident of alleged road rage on Kirkland Street, after the occupants of a taxi and a bakkie began to hit each other.
As a community watch, 911 members are not permitted to directly intervene.
However, members could pursue the vehicles of those involved, and Mr Pieters followed the bakkie on a dodgy trip through Arbor Park, and eventually called off the chase near the intersection of the N11 and Albert Wessels Drive.
Those who assume Newcastle is quiet at night are sorely mistaken.
From the pursuit, patrol continued through the Industrial Area, Ncandu Park, Amajuba Park, Barry Hertzog Park and down into the CBD, at which point a collision on Allen Street was called in.
The driver reportedly lost control of his vehicle and spun out, taking out road signs.
Despite claims the driver had in fact been transported to hospital, 911 members requested assistance from on-duty SAPS officials.
Then a reckless driver was called in just down the road.
The action continued this way in a non-stop rush – a suspicious vehicle parked in Hutten Heights, which led to a high-speed chase, a house party in Schuinshoogte spilling over onto the street, a flagged vehicle spotted in Ncandu Park.
Hours passed in minutes, and one never quite knew what to expect.
Fortunately, SAPS members were happy to jump in from time to time, as well as emergency medics from Mercy Care.
For the most part, 911 has an amicable relationship with other first responders.
And for many members of the community watch group, who use their own vehicles and fuel, plus their own time, the reward is knowing their loved ones sleep safely at night.
“I enjoy it. It feels good because we are doing something for our community,” commented response team member, Barry Petersen.
Likewise, Mr Pieters said it was great to see approximately 50 residents come together and dedicate themselves to the safety of all residents.
Tired eyes and long nights were a small price to pay for that, he added.
“We get tired after driving long distances, and there’s no compensation, but it’s worth it. We’re all part of Newcastle at the end of the day.”
