Scottburgh was saved during the recent week of unrest due to the valiant efforts of a united Scottburgh community, including Saps, law enforcement officers and private security companies, Gladiator Security and Enviro Watch Security.
Looters and violent protesters attempted to get into the town on the night of July 12.
They were spotted by Hennie Potgieter of Gladiator Security and the necessary roleplayers were quickly put into place.
Protesters continued their efforts daily by gathering in numbers.
They blocked and closed off roads, including the R102 and R612 leading to Umzinto.
They burnt tyres and industrial establishments with the main aim being to loot and burn down Scottburgh Mall.
That this didn’t happen is a testament to united efforts of everyone involved in defending the town.
Out of this success has been born Scottburgh Community Watch.
It has been decided to build on this unity and make defending and protecting the town a long-term joint effort – to continue standing together against crime.
Group coordinator, Tommie Taylor, said that although it has been more than a week since the unrest dissipated and most people have returned to their normal day-to-day routines, there are still many questioning whether this is just temporary relief and if there is more unrest to come.
“This question has come up so often lately and is one of the reasons why this group was formed – to combat crime, focusing mainly on residential and business areas,” he said.
“If there is one positive we can take from this it is that, without doubt, the fact that our community can stand together, with Saps, during difficult and dangerous times. Now we need to sustain and expand this.”
Taylor said local volunteers aim to patrol and secure the community on a daily basis, assisting local police and security services to protect the town from criminal activity.
He explained that this type of initiative was happening more and more throughout the country, with a fine example closer to home being the Pennington Community Watch.
Scottburgh Community Watch needs equipment such as efficient spotlights, trail cameras (to alert members of activities at vulnerable entry points), fuel for patrol vehicles, first aid supplies, generators, reliable two-way radios, and a control room facility.
Training for volunteers in first-aid, defence and proactive awareness is also required.
“In setting this up, we would not only be able to respond more effectively to the ongoing threats we are facing now, but establish a permanent Scottburgh crime watch facility with equipment,” added Taylor.
A non-profitable organisation has been registered to account for all funds and donations and the community is assured that everything brought in through fundraising and donations will be repurposed and developed into a permanent community protecting unit.
Taylor and the rest of the community watch members thank all of the men, women, police, law enforcement officers and security companies for standing as one to protect and serve the town.
“By supporting the Scottburgh Community Watch, you will be helping us protect the town and the community who love it.”
To find out more contact Taylor on 082 3333446, Hennie Potgieter from Gladiator Security on 060 9787635 or Ters du Toit from Enviro Watch on 083 9411244.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like the South Coast Herald’s Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram
