Neighbourhood Watch declares war on crime

The Neighbourhood Watch in Extension 11 is making strides in fighting crime and confiscating weapons that are used to kill and terrorise the community.

Aaron Seshoma who started the group of eighteen members says he did it because he saw the atrocities being committed against defenceless women and helpless men being stabbed to death.

“I used to see women being kicked and stabbed, and I heard stories of women being raped, killed and dumped in secluded places. Men were stabbed while coming from taverns after a fun night out.”

Aaron emphasises that his main intention was also to assist the police in patrolling the streets day and night.

“We decided to set up a meeting with the police and presented to them our detailed strategy in fighting crime. They gave us the go-ahead to patrol the streets. Since the Neighbourhood Watch started, the crime level has decreased. We have managed to help the police with cases of burglaries and taking away dangerous knives from criminals. Some of the valuable items we have managed to retrieve include plasma TVs, home theatres and other furniture. We are currently hunting down the man who killed his girlfriend, left the body to rot and ran away with the couple’s two children,” says Aaron.

Despite the good work the group is doing, they have challenges such as a lack of funding to undertake the work, and most of the members are unemployed. There is also an aspect of safety because they are endangering their lives by taking the criminals on, head-on. Aaron says, “Sometimes the criminals that we apprehend lie to the police and allege that we beat them up. Our crime combating work would be so much easier if a lawyer was always available to help us pro bono when such matters arise.

The group would also like raincoats and boots for patrols on rainy days or nights because he says, that’s when criminals pounce on the community and spaza shops.

“We would also like torches and whistles to be able to fight crime more effectively. It would be ideal if we had branded clothing that displays our logo because, sometimes, these criminals pretend to be us.”

Ikageng police spokesperson, Const. Kelebogile Trom says all the dangerous weapons that the group has taken from the alleged criminals will be booked in and destroyed.

“Ikageng SAPS would like to thank the members of the Neighbourhood Watch for their commitment. This shows that, together, we can squeeze crime to zero,” she said.

*Anyone who was inspired by this article and would like to assist in any of the above ways, should contact Aaron at 063 1522 460 or 076 900 1686.