Zwelethemba’s newly founded neighbourhood watch has been working tirelessly to fight crime in the area.
Its establishment came after a community meeting held in February called to address crime and the response from the police. Residents then called for a structure to manage crime in the community at micro level.
“The inspiration to start the neighbourhood watch derives from the cries of our female neighbours who are the victims of crime on daily basis, only because they can’t defend themselves from criminals,” said Nkululeko Mangweni, chairperson of the Zwelethemba Neighbourhood Watch. “That’s our get-up-and-go inspiration, the fact that if we allow crime to prevail the way it has it will spiral even further, and serious issues such as gender-based violence, among other ills, will continue, uninterrupted.”
In the course of its quest to combat crime in the community, the watch received a tip-off that certain residents were asking for extortion fees from small business owners, especially Somali shop owners, in Zwelethemba.
According to Mangweni, the watch was engaged in a recruitment drive, trying to convince young boys to join their group an what it stands for, instead of allowing gangs to lure them in.”
He added the group’s stance and intention are clear – creating a Zwelethemba free of crime.
Two of four suspects, for example, have been arrested and charged with pointing a firearm and intimidation.
“We are not oblivious to causes of crime and why it exists in a place like Zwelethemba – lack of job opportunities. With such things in mind we are engaging with different stakeholders operating in our township to create projects that may bring employment opportunities, especially for those who think crime is the answer.”
Mangweni also told Standard the watch’s goal is to see Zwelethemba as a safe place. Its people should be able to walk from one end of the township to another with their cellphones in their hand without fear.
“We want shop owners to operate their shops and accommodate people from clubs in the early hours and even those who are going to work around 05:00 to be safe.”
“We want a Zwelethemba that is self-sustaining, creating employment for its people and running programmes that will make it difficult for youth to resort to drug use.
“We want a Zwelethemba that will take the issue of crime seriously.”
