Saddling up against crime
Horse patrols from Uvongo to Ramsgate beach will create greater visibility and make sure the beaches are clean and calm.
THE Manaba Community Policing Forum (CPF) and neighbourhood watch is saddling up to help curb crime in the area. Willie Jenner, a volunteer from the neighbourhood watch and owner of the horse said the main objective of the horse patrols is to assist police in patrolling the beach areas from Uvongo to Ramsgate.
“This will create greater visibility and make sure the streets and beaches are clean and calm. The forum has been working hand in hand with police, Wolf Security and Maser Security. The forum has also been conducting street patrols daily in Manaba since early this year, which are proving to be very successful,” said Mr Jenner.
He added that the forum realised that a lot of people felt frustrated as they could not help because of work during the week and family obligations over the weekend.
Mr Jenner received the first horse last Thursday and will receive a further three today (Thursday). Beach patrols will start next Tuesday from Uvongo to Ramsgate beach.
“This could be history for this area and I believe that we are the first to operate beach patrols with horses. This is a huge achievement and we hope we have the support from the community to drive this project forward,” said Mr Jenner.
He thanked the security companies and Margate SAPS for assisting the forum in the fight against crime. Police spokesman Captain Gerald Mfeka from Margate SAPS said they are pleased with the beach patrols and thanked the forum for assisting to curb crime along the beaches.
All horses will be taken care by Lynne Smit. The forum will hold a meeting at the Uvongo Library next Monday, August 31 at 5.30pm. All residents are invited to attend as a committee will be elected and crimes affecting the area will be discussed. For further information contact Willie at 079 8535242 or visitwww.facebook.com/manabacpf.
