Bramely View residents take bold stand against crime

In a powerful show of unity and urgency, residents of Bramely View have banded together to take back their streets from criminals.

On August 30, the newly formed Bramely View Residents Association (BVRA) hosted its first security indaba, marking a significant shift in how this embattled community approaches safety and accountability.

The indaba, held at the old Gift of the Givers building, drew dozens of concerned residents, alongside representatives from the South African Police Service (SAPS), the Community Policing Forum (CPF), and private security firms, including Fidelity, ADT, Wolfrox, Active Motion, and CAP Security.

Read more: Bramley View hosts first ever security indaba to tackle spiralling crime

With a steady rise in house break-ins, hijackings, and violent crimes over recent months, residents say they are done waiting for change.

“We’ve decided to stop being passive victims,” said BVRA president Theo Lengwati. “We can no longer wait for help to come. We are active participants in our own safety.

“We brought everyone under one roof, SAPS, CPF, and the security companies, to explore how we can work together effectively. This is our first step toward reclaiming our streets.”

A key part of the presentation was the unveiling of three comprehensive security packages tailored for the community:
• Premium package: consisting of boom gates, Vuma cameras, and a private security company with a once-off total cost of R722 402.40 and the monthly cost of: R192 196.98,
• Standard package: consisting of boom gates, Vuma cameras, and CPF support with a once-off total cost of R755 922.40 and the monthly cost of R170 722.43, or
• Basic package: consisting of boom gates and Vuma cameras only, with a once-off total cost of R678 406.40 and the monthly total cost of R58 942.43.

Also read: ATM crime alert in Sandton

“Each package represents a tiered approach to coverage,” Lengwati said. “Premium being full coverage with private patrols, standard including CPF-led support, and basic focusing purely on surveillance and access control.” The options sparked robust discussion and questions from residents, with many voicing appreciation for being consulted, not dictated to.

Local resident Sibusiso Mthethwa said: “It’s empowering to be given a choice and a voice. We need a plan that works for everyone, not just the few who can afford top-tier protection.”

Another resident, Naledi Khumalo, said: “It was long overdue. For the first time, I feel like we’re moving in the right direction. Seeing the SAPS and these companies present shows me they’re willing to listen and be part of the solution.”

Those who couldn’t attend are being given access to the full presentation, and a digital feedback form, allowing them to vote on the way forward.

The BVRA plans to review all community feedback before setting a follow-up meeting, where a collective decision will be made on which package the community will adopt.

“We’re not there yet,” Lengwati concluded, “but this Indaba shows what’s possible when we stand together. Once we finalise a plan, we’ll be ready to share it with other communities looking to take similar action.”

The BVRA encourages all Bramely View residents to complete the feedback form being circulated. Once responses are collected and analysed, a community-wide decision meeting will be announced.

Details: Bramely View Residents Association 067 233 5895

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