Mass patrol conveys message of united strength
It was perfect timing for a mass convoy patrol especially after recent riots and looting that affected Port Edward, Gamalakhe, Harding and Izingolweni.
After a turbulent four weeks around the province and the South Coast, Margate AfriForum along with various community policing forums gathered at the Shelly Centre rooftop parking for the quarterly community mass patrol last Friday evening.
Organised and headed by Margate AfriForum with private security companies and in partnership with Ray Nkonyeni Municipality (RNM) law enforcement and Margate Saps, the mass patrol aimed to show force and reminded all South Coast residents that they were in safe hands.
“The mass patrol has been launched by AfriForum head office throughout the country, so it’s not just here on the South Coast. Every town that has an AfriForum branch and community safety committee are doing the exact same thing tonight,” said vice-chairman Wessel Pretorius.
“The aim is to patrol our streets and to ensure that everyone in the community, no matter creed or colour, is safe,” he added.
The central group from Oslo to Ramsgate gathered at the rooftop for a short briefing at 6pm before they proceeded with a convoy to Margate and back with Maser Security, ADT, Wolf Security and Lazer 911.
It was perfect timing for a mass convoy patrol especially after recent riots and looting that affected Port Edward, Gamalakhe, Harding and Izingolweni.
Margate AfriForum chairman Hannes Dippenaar was hoping to keep the momentum and spirit going regardless of any threats of violence.
“I think the last two weeks was an eye opener for all of us. Our community came together in times of difficulty and I think AfriForum has played a major role in fulfilling these achievements. We have structures on the ground, and that is why we get everyone involved. And that is the forum’s main purpose, to protect the community,” said Dippenaar.
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