A WARD committee member for cleaning and solid waste in Ward 68, Neil Pather, has taken an initiative to revive community-based crime-fighting structures that serve as vital guardrails for peace and safety in local neighbourhoods.

Also read: Community left reeling after another drive-by shooting in Merebank

Pather believes that empowering the community to monitor their streets is essential to restoring safety and public confidence.

He said that the mushrooming of common robbery cases and petty crimes occurring in Merebank motivated him to take a strong stance against crime.

He is now advocating for the formation of street committees and neighbourhood watches in Merebank.

“We cannot rely on the police all the time. Residents need to work together to deter crime. Street committees are the first line of defence.

“The intention is to reclaim our streets and create an environment that is safe for everyone. Street committees and neighbourhood watches are important in fighting crime, we therefore call on residents to form such committees,” said Pather.

The recent street armed robberies have sparked a renewed interest in community-led safety initiatives.

“The most recent robbery incident involves a youngster who was robbed of his phone. It is alleged that there are unknown vehicles driving around in the area that target pedestrians,” he said.

Residents of Umarkot Crescent in Merebank have heeded the call and launched a street patrol committee.

Also read: Family of slain Merebank man calls for justice

Nancy Madanjith, the founder of a street patrol committee on Umarkot Crescent, echoed Pather’s views and encouraged members of the public to join crime fighting structures.

The newly formed street committee was formed on May 1.

“We have had numerous house break-ins and hijackings on our street. The rampant criminal activities necessitated a formation of a street committee on our street. We patrol at night to prevent criminals from getting an opportunity to break into people’s homes,” said Madanjith.

She added forming street ward committees forges strong community relations in the neighbourhood and encourages residents to be proactive.

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