When a community works together crime can be severely curbed.
So says Bonteheuwel councillor Angus McKenzie after a sharp decline in shootings was shown in the area. “Over the last few months Bonteheuwel crime has seen a distressing upswing.
“This was brought about by known gangsters released as part of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s prisoner pardon, as well as exacerbated tensions between rival gangs in a drive to increase the drug trade.
“This led to an increase in shooting incidents and murders. Together, neighbourhood watches such as KIC, Loganberry Street Watch, Lepelhout Street Watch and the Bonteheuwel NHW, as well as street WhatsApp groups that cover Bonteheuwel the problem was tackled head-on. Residents have not only been patrolling but providing relevant information on who, what and when, enabling tip-off line and law enforcement officials to respond more quickly.”
He said the higher visibility of law-enforcement officers and extra eyes on the ground by the community ensured a remarkable decrease in shooting incidents and murders.
“In addition, it is starting to sink in to gangsters that as a community we will not tolerate their actions. Our hope remains that this trend will continue.”
