The tide is turning for the previously crime-ridden CBD in Potchefstroom through the combined efforts of the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the volunteers of the Community in Blue initiative.

The Community in Blue are a group of 20 volunteers who patrol the CBD daily to be the eyes and ears of the SAPS at ground level. Their daily presence and actions have resulted in a substantial reduction in crime in the past year. There is a definite sense of pride among the Community in Blue members, who, in their blue jackets and caps, have a renewed life purpose to maintain a safe environment and weed out criminal elements.

For the past decade, the CBD in Potchefstroom has been a crime hotspot, adversely affecting businesses and the safety of the broader public. Although the police did their utmost, criminals still ran roughshod due to the numbers game and frequency of criminal activities.

“The Community in Blue project is for volunteers within our community to act as our eyes and ears. We identify problematic areas and deploy the volunteers in these areas,” states the SAPS Potchefstroom station commander, Brigadier Steven Moodley.

He emphasises that crime has dropped significantly from Rivier Street to Auto Lane and other parts of the CDB.

“Theft from and out of motor vehicles has reduced significantly. We must credit the partnership between the police, CPF and the Community in Blue volunteers. It is a joint initiative to improve visibility,” he added.

Lt. Col. Thabo John Mahlangu and Warrant Officer Martin Myburgh head the Community In Blue in Potchefstroom. WO Myburgh explains that a vetting process happens before volunteers join the Community in Blue. It is a well-organised system where records are kept, and measures are in place to ensure all protocols are followed.

“We recruit them, do a vetting process where we take fingerprints and check their ID documents. We check if they have any criminal records. They are inducted and given short courses in crime prevention. They then receive a uniform, jacket and cap and are placed in specific areas where they are needed,” adds Myburgh.

Although the Community in Blue does not have any powers of arrest, they still play a vital role in apprehending criminals through constant contact with the police. The Criminal Procedure Act allows civilians to detain a person who has committed a serious offence in their presence.

“When they walk in their small groups, they walk with whips, and it scares the criminals. The whips are also used to defend themselves. After a recent CPF meeting, we also saw them patrolling, even after dark. We then procured torches for them,” states Trudie Botha of the CPF.

The main job of the Community in Blue is to relay information on criminal activities or the whereabouts of suspected criminals. They can only detain the criminals and communicate with the police to arrest the suspects.

“We are in constant communication via cell phone and WhatsApp groups. They identify the criminals and detain them before the police arrive. The police will take the necessary steps for the arrest and stolen property,” explains Brig. Moodley.

Shop owners in the CBD have also lauded the efforts of the Community in Blue, stating that their presence over the past year has increased safety in the area.

“The thugs used to terrorise our clients. We had to go and fetch our clients from the car and take them back to the car after shopping,” states Mohamed Adam, owner of AK Sports and Leisure. “The general safety is now a lot better, and we must applaud the efforts of the police and Community in Blue.”

Barbara Kühn, manager at Potch Tombstones, says her business was previously a hot spot for crimes before the Community in Blue and police intervened. “I was robbed five times, once even with a knife. My customers were constantly targeted. It became unbearable. I am delighted that the crime has dropped, thanks to WO Myburgh and his Community in Blue team. I also take pictures of suspicious activity and post it on the WhatsApp group,” she adds.

The Community in Blue currently comprises 20 members (10 men and 10 women).

Brig. Moodley says there are plans to grow the Community in Blue to patrol various sectors in Potch. “In the CBD, they work from about 08:00 to about 18:00. We are looking at recruiting more people in other problematic areas. We are looking at expanding. In a month or two, that could theoretically go up to 40 volunteers. We don’t want volume in one specific sector, but rather effective groups in various sectors,” explained Moodley.

The success of the Community in Blue has had a knock-on effect in other problematic areas in Potchefstroom, with success stories emanating from the trim park to Mieder Park.

“We, and especially the business owners, are happy with the results of this community policing initiative. We hope it will grow from strength to strength in the future. It just shows the value of organised community policing,” Moodley noted.