Ward 34 neighbourhood watch members were over the moon on Wednesday 1 October as they received working equipment donated by the City. The event was held at Brown’s Farm Community Hall.
At least five neighbourhood watch groups benefited. Among others, they received jackets, torches and reflector vests.
Ward councillor Melikhaya Gadeni said the equipment was bought through ward allocation budget to fight crime in the area.
A total of 70 jackets, 25 torches, 5 first-aid kits, 6 headlamps, 5 body cameras, 25 reflect vests and 10 radios were bought.
“The equipment cost about R150 000 from our ward allocation money. The aim is to ensure that our neighbourhood watch members are safe and protected. We are trying to provide all the necessary equipment that is needed,” said Gadeni.
He said he believes the equipment will motivate and boost the spirits of the patrollers.
Gadeni stated they need more people to join the neighbourhood watches.
“I have five neighbourhood watch groups in my ward and they include Siyazama, Kwakhanya, Fire Ban, Masiqhame and Sizisithemba. We still need more people to join them.
“We are appealing to the community to work with them. If they see anything wrong or suspicious in their areas, they can report it to the neighbourhood watch members and they will call the officers,” he explained.
Siyazama Neighbourhood Watch chair Ncumisa Jaxa said the equipment means a lot to them.
She said it came at the right time as people are preparing for the festive season.
“We are appreciating what the councillor has done for us. It will be easy for the people to recognise us.
“The first-aid kit will assist us when we encounter a problem.
Most of the time we are always on the ground, and we are the first people to witness all these incidents before the officers arrive,” said Jaxa.
She urged the community to respect their job and work with them.
