Huge tree collapse exposes equipment strain for volunteer security forum

Motorists in Die Wilgers were urged to proceed with caution after a tree fell across Rossouw Street at the corner of Gordon Verster, blocking traffic and leaving the area in darkness due to non-functioning streetlights.

The obstruction has since been cleared, but it has highlighted equipment shortages faced by a local security forum.

Alpha Security Forum spokesperson Aris Ruyter said the forum was unable to remove the tree itself due to limitations with their only available chainsaw.

“The tree that blocked the road has since been cleared, but Alpha could not do it because our chainsaw needs to be sharpened.

“We have to get a new chain, a backup chain. And the fuel also always runs out. We have to get that sorted,” said Ruyter.

He explained that the forum currently relies on a single privately owned chainsaw and that the member is recovering from shoulder surgery.

“Between all of us, we only have one privately owned chainsaw. We are looking at funding to purchase a few chainsaws for various responders to use and assist,” he said.

Ruyter added that the current chainsaw situation is not ideal for frequent emergency use.

“A chainsaw blade can only be sharpened so many times. It isn’t the best quality either, so we work very delicately with it.”

He said the forum is hoping to acquire three quality petrol-powered chainsaws for responders to share when emergencies arise.

Ruyter explained that if they have a few saws available to responders then if anything happens, they always have one or two chainsaws available.

Ruyter confirmed that assistance was requested through the iER control room, and within 30 minutes, the Tshwane Fire and Emergency Services arrived on scene to cut down the tree and clear the roadway.

He also reminded residents that the main purpose of Alpha Security Forum groups is to report incidents requiring immediate attention, such as suspicious persons, break-ins in progress or vehicle thefts.

“It’s also acceptable to share information after an incident to create awareness, for example, a suspicious vehicle or direction of travel. Where we run into problems is when complaints or discussions start on the group. Then important intel or updates can get buried,” he said.

The forum will soon approach the community for donations to help fund additional emergency equipment to improve response capacity in the area.

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