Horison Block Watch (HBW) members spent their Saturday night, August 1, in service of their community as they embarked on a neighbourhood blitz patrol lasting well into the early morning hours.

According to HBW public relations officer Linda Havenga, the reasoning behind their operation was two-fold.

“Of course, it being month-end weekend, we knew the roads were going to be jam-packed with traffic as people were out and about enjoying the fruits of their labour.

“We felt it prudent to keep up visibility to let residents know we are on duty and working to keep them safe, and to let criminals know that we are always on the lookout for illegal activities,” she says.

The patrol consisted of two groups, covering the northern and southern neighbourhoods of Horison respectively.

It also saw members from Ontdekkers Park South (OPS) Block Watch, and two vehicles from EC Security acting as back-up for the different patrol groups.

Havenga adds that the patrol achieved its intended purpose of increasing visibility on the roads.

“We visited a few hotspots and came across several vagrants occupying spaces they aren’t allowed to. After encouraging them to leave the area, we visited a known property in 6th Street that was until recently used as a drug house.

“We are happy to report that the house has been reclaimed by the rightful owners, who are in the process of renovating it.

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“We also visited Horison View and did a visibility cruise through the area.”

Havenga adds that, despite the roads being extremely busy, there were no accidents or incidents on the night.

Havenga has called on community members who would be interested in joining their efforts to contact her on 062 197 2259.