Community stands up against crime
Tsakane - Basothong Neighbourhood Watch recently hosted a community meeting to discuss crime awareness in preparation for the winter season, as it gets dark earlier than usual, increasing the likelihood of people being robbed.
Bashin Malinga (49), the founder of the organisation, says the community of Basothong (ward 85) has worked very hard to decrease the crime rate in the section.
“People fall victim to small-time crooks because it gets really dark by the time they come back from work,” he explains.
• Read: Tsakane residents march against crime
However, he says that they have ways to alert the community if any of them faces any danger.
“Even the criminals know not to mess with us this side. Most sections envy us,” he says.
The forum also hosted guests from the Germiston Community Safety Office, Phumla Thembela and Natasha Smith.
“We are committed to fighting crime and as long as we are united we will succeed,” he says.
Malinga says that one of their major challenges is the delay they experience when dealing with the police.
“We call them; they seldom respond timeously. But we always have a plan B.”
• Also read: Praying against crime
He alleges that on many occasions the police will apprehend the suspect but they will see him walking the streets the next day.
He says that the meeting was very fruitful and the spirits of the community members are very high.
“We are used to doing the hard work for ourselves. These criminals must watch out!”
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