Residents stand together against crime
Residents in the west of Pretoria, who accuse the police on turning a blind eye to crime, have taken it upon themselves to fight crime.
It seems there is no getting rid of crime in Pretoria West unless the community stands together.
Hijackings and house robberies take place at night and the criminals rob pupils at Wi-Fi hotspots.
The Pretoria police have been accused of turning a blind eye to the escalating crime in the area, despite the residents’ numerous calls for action.
Many residents in Pretoria West have already lost faith in the police’s effectiveness, despite having a police station on their doorstep.
This year alone, residents in the area have formed more than three patrol units to protect themselves and their loved ones.
The units include: the Area Patrol Unit (APU), based mainly in Proclamation Hill; and Danville patrollers, who have quickly gained a reputation for keeping criminals out.
Most members of these units have daytime jobs but their commitment to fighting crime has seen them sacrifice their sleep and home comforts.
Another unit, AfriForum neighbourhood watch, has adopted a more aggressive stance.
Not only does the watch patrol the neighbourhood, but also goes to known criminal hideouts outside the suburb.
Resident and AfriForum neighbourhood watch member Otto Jansen van Rensburg, who has also been a victim of crime, said communities needed to join the fight against crime.
“My home was burgled and my sound system and other valuable equipment were stolen.”
“I don’t know how they came into my house because nothing was broken and from what I can remember all the windows were closed and doors locked,” he said.
Jansen van Rensburg said the criminals were well equipped and knew the area very well.
“We [AfriForum] came to the police for help, but were told that we were a political party and the police did not help political parties.”
“Without the police’s help we can [only] do so much, but we need numbers to combat crime and if the community can join in, we will make progress.”
Van Rensburg said the expansion of patrol units was inspired by Danville Extension 5 residents.
AfriForum branch chairperson Francois Oberholzer said with the help of the Rapid Rail Police Unit they have at times managed to scare the criminals away.
There was no word from the Pretoria West police on the rise of neighbourhood patrols but provincial spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Lungelo Dlamini said residents should not live in fear as police were operating in the area.
“It is not a problem for people to patrol. They have to lookout for their own safety but it is also the police’s job to make sure the residents are safe.”
Also read:
Pretoria west violent crimes rising
Best Care owner brutally attacked in robbery
Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to editorial@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites:
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram.
- We have exciting news! We’re offering a free alert to help you always be in the loop. Send an email with the word ‘Subscribe’ to breakingnews@rekord.co.za to receive your free daily breaking news update.
