Getting to know the new face behind Newcastle 911
"Safety is our main priority; we are like the eyes on the ground, keeping crime at bay where we can."
Is it Batman? Superman? No. It is Newcastillian, Morne Potgieter, to the rescue, as the new face behind Newcastle community forum, Newcastle 911.
As a young boy, Mornè envisioned his life as a sheep and cattle farmer.
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However, as fate would have it, his life’s path took a complete different path, as he became an active member in various security sectors, such as the farmers safety forum and Newcastle 911.
“I still do farming as a part time hobby, but people’s safety has become my number one priority.”
In 2013, while living on a farm, he realised the impact, farm attacks and stock theft had on the farming community and decided to become an effective member of a farmers’ safety forum.
“We have played an active role with all security sectors as well as the police.”
Newcastle 911 requested him a while ago to join the community forrum, and after initial reluctance and careful consideration, he realised that Newcastle was in need of a forum such as this to combat increasing crime.
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Apart from being an active member of a farmers’ forum and Newcastle 911, Mornè is also the operational manager at his parents’ security firm, running major operations, which usually necessitates police assistance.
“A lot of my work in the firm entails investigation of bigger crimes.”
Mornè’s dream for 911, is that members will receive training on how to work in synergy with police without overstepping boundaries. He also hopes that more community members will work with Newcastle 911 for the safety of all.
“Safety is our main priority; we are like the eyes on the ground, keeping crime at bay where we can,” he said.
A concern of 911 is that members have not yet received permission to use green lights to enhance visability. According to Mornè of the 38 911 forums around South Africa, yet Newcastle is the only one not allowed to use their lights yet.
“It sometimes makes our jobs difficult, as some residents work against us at certain scenes such as collisions. We hope to receive our permission for the lights soon.”
Mornè prioritises police clearance of all new 911 members. He believes Newcastle 911 has made a positive impact in town, as members have successfully assisted in many arrests. Mornè also hopes to extend the 911 forum to more areas around Newcastle.
“I do believe I can make a success out of this, and hopefully one-day be known as the best,” he said.
While he is currently single, he is not averse to settling down and having a family once he meets the right girl.
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“It will be nice to have a family of my own, but for now, I am working on my own success,” he concluded.
