Proactive Port Edward tackles drugs and crime
A community cellphone has been set up and anyone with information about drugs is asked to either call, message or leave a message.
The Port Edward community has spoken – they don’t want crime or drugs in their town.
Following the tragic death of Quintin Breedt (20) the community met recently to discuss the two agendas – crime and drugs.
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It has been described as a positive meeting, spearheaded by dynamic and driven Port Edward Ratepayers’ Association.
Deeply concerned about the drug and crime situation in our town, Peter Brereton, chairman of the association and his committee also recently met with Port Edward station commander Lieutenant-Colonel Geoff Ngcobo and two of his captains.
Peter is backed by his determined committee members: Mick Getkate (conservancy), John Pretorius (spiritual guidance and upliftment of the youth), Linda Ralfe (secretary ), Rory Payn (youth mentor), Ginger Stilwell (treasurer), John Nicholas (projects, building and commander of Station 32 NSRI), Elise Badenhorst (manages promoting the town), Piet Engelbrecht (street lighting and general) and his wife, Therisa (helping the frail and aged).
Mr Brereton admits outright they have dropped the ball when it came to communicating with the police, and moving forward they will be building a relationship with the men in blue.
“Residents are rather posting about crime on social media platforms and not opening cases at the police station. Police are not getting information and we need to communicate better with them,” he said.
However, Mr Brereton said they have established some solutions and from now onwards will be proactive in combating the problems of drugs and crime.
He said they will hold monthly meetings with police, and have plans to form a Community Police Forum (CPF).
A community cellphone has been set up and anyone with information about drugs is asked to either call, message or leave a message. The phone number 078 5135376. This phone will be manned 24/7 and callers may remain anonymous. All phone calls will be recorded.
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Mr Brereton said they want to gather as much information as possible to help in the fight against drugs. He urged anyone with information to come forward.
He added they have also been in communication with Law Enforcement as the town needs more presence when there are more people, especially over the weekends.
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