Bramley View hosts first ever security indaba to tackle spiralling crime
In a bold move to combat rising crime in Bramely View, the newly established Bramely View Residents Association hosted its first security indaba.
The Bramely View community has taken its safety into its own hands. On August 30, the Bramley View Residents Association (BVRA), established earlier this year, held its inaugural security indaba, a landmark gathering aimed at addressing rampant crime in the area.
The meeting, held at the Old Gift of the Givers premises, saw attendance from residents and key stakeholders in the security sector, including representatives from SAPS, the Community Policing Forum (CPF), Fidelity Services Group, ADT, Wolfrox, Active Motion, and CAP Security.
House break-ins, hijackings, and other violent crimes have plagued Bramely View in recent months. In response, the BVRA spearheaded the indaba as a platform to bring together law enforcement, security companies, and residents to engage in honest dialogue and develop a collaborative security strategy.
BVRA president Theo Lengwati said: “We realised that we can no longer wait for help to come; we must initiate it.
“We brought everyone under one roof 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, CPF support, with a once-off total cost of R755 922.40 and the monthly cost of R170 722.43, and
- 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.
“Each package represents a tiered approach to coverage, premium being full coverage with private patrols, standard including CPF-led support, and basic focusing purely on surveillance and access control,” Lengwati said.
Residents at the indaba were allowed to ask questions, offer suggestions, and indicate their preferences. Those who couldn’t attend will receive the presentation and feedback form digitally, to ensure broad participation.
Many attendees expressed both concern and hope for the initiative.
Naledi Khumalo, Bramely View resident, said: “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.”
Sibusiso Mthethwa, another resident, added: “I appreciate that we’re being given options and not being forced into anything. We just need to be realistic about what we can afford and what gives us the best protection.”
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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