The community continues to heap praise and words of encouragement on the crime-fighting group, the Peri Peri.
While some accuse them of being vigilantes and inflicting pain on the perpetrators of crime, they are knights in shining armour in the eyes of most community members.
“Ext. 11 used to be known as a place of death but, since the Peri Peri took back the streets from the gangs, it has become a peaceful place to live in,” said one woman in a taxi.
Lucky Lerefolo, the chairperson of the Peri Peri, says they have had many successes since January this year. “We have dealt with sixty cases,” he said.
He says the group continues to patrol in Ext. 3, 6 and 11. “Last week, we managed to confiscate knives and a gun from some men who have been terrorising the community,” he said.
“We have also managed to recover stolen goods. However, once the victims get their possessions back, they decide not to open the cases against the suspects. We need to change that. We have drafted forms for members of the community, saying that, if we assist them, they must also open a case so the criminals can be jailed,” he said.
Photo: Provided
Lerefolo says they do ensure that the police apprehend the suspects in very sensitive cases like rape.
He once again urges the community to render any assistance to the group.
“The patrollers are volunteers and are not paid. Most of them are unemployed. We are still working on securing funding so they will, at least, receive stipends. They put their hearts into their work out of love and for the well-being of their fellow residents,” he said.
‘We appeal to the business people of Potchefstroom, local municipality and other institutions to assist us. We are doing this for the future of our children and so that we can live in a safe environment in Ikageng.’
Anyone who wants to contact the Peri Peri can call Lucky Lerefolo on 073 117 2431.
